Is Airbnb legal in Boise, ID?
AllowedThese rules are changing or in active litigation. Verify the current status directly before you rely on it.
Airbnb is allowed in Boise, ID
Boise repealed its STR license requirement in 2026 after Idaho enacted one of the broadest state preemptions in the country, barring any city or county from requiring an STR license, fee, permit, or registration. Boise still enforces general nuisance, noise, parking, and safety rules, and lodging taxes apply.
Verified July 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Confirm with the city before you list.
Key rules at a glance
Permit or registration
Not required
Primary residence only
No
Annual night cap
Not confirmed
Registration fee
See ordinance
How short-term rentals work in Boise
Boise repealed its STR license requirement in 2026 after Idaho enacted one of the broadest state preemptions in the country, barring any city or county from requiring an STR license, fee, permit, or registration. Boise still enforces general nuisance, noise, parking, and safety rules, and lodging taxes apply.
Boise broadly permits short-term rentals. Expect to register and collect lodging tax, but there is real room for an investor STR strategy.
At the state level, Idaho limits how far cities can go in banning short-term rentals.
What it means for investors
Boise is relatively open to short-term rentals, so an STR strategy is on the table. Run the numbers on a specific property, and compare it to a straight long-term rental to see which pencils better.
Last reviewed July 2026. Informational and educational only, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Verify the current ordinance with your local jurisdiction or counsel before acting.
Frequently asked questions
Is Airbnb legal in Boise?
Boise repealed its STR license requirement in 2026 after Idaho enacted one of the broadest state preemptions in the country, barring any city or county from requiring an STR license, fee, permit, or registration. Boise still enforces general nuisance, noise, parking, and safety rules, and lodging taxes apply. This reflects the rules as of July 2026; confirm the current ordinance with the city before you list.
Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Boise?
Based on the current information, Boise does not require a specific short-term rental permit, though a general business license and lodging-tax registration may still apply. Always confirm with the city.
Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Boise?
Yes, Boise does not require you to live in the property, though other limits such as caps, zoning, or licensing may still apply.
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent in Boise?
No specific annual night cap was confirmed for Boise, though minimum-stay rules or license caps may effectively limit operations. Check the ordinance.
What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Boise?
Short-term rentals in Boise are generally subject to state and local lodging or occupancy taxes on top of income tax. Airbnb and VRBO collect some of these automatically, but not always all of them, so confirm the current rate and who remits it with Idaho and the city.