Rental Licensing

The Duluth Fire Department's Life Safety Division oversees rental licensing and inspections to help ensure rental properties meet minimum housing and safety standards. Property owners are required to obtain the appropriate rental license before renting their property.

Short-Term Rental Licenses

Rental stays of 29 days or fewer

Short-term rental properties are subject to separate licensing requirements. Property owners interested in offering short-term accommodations must obtain the appropriate license and meet applicable City requirements before renting their property.

Important Updates to Short-Term Rental Regulations

The City of Duluth has updated its short-term rental regulations to help preserve residential housing, support neighborhood stability, and ensure rental properties meet safety standards.

What do these changes mean for property owners?

New Short-Term Rental Restrictions

Existing single-family, two-family, and multi-family homes generally can no longer be converted into new, standalone vacation rentals where the property owner does not live on-site.

Home Sharing & Owner-Occupied Properties

Homeowners may continue to offer short-term rentals within their primary residence, provided the property is owner-occupied and homesteaded. Eligible homeowners may also operate a short-term rental in a detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), such as a small guesthouse, on their property.

Short-Term Rentals in New Developments

Certain new residential developments may qualify for short-term rentals with City Council approval. These rentals are limited to 10% of the development's residential units, with a maximum of five short-term rental units per project.

Existing Short-Term Rentals

Previously permitted short-term rentals may be eligible to continue operating as long as they maintain the required permits and comply with City regulations. However, existing rentals that do not meet the new standards cannot expand their nonconforming use.

Short-term rental permits are also non-transferable. If a property changes ownership, the new owner must apply for a new permit and meet the eligibility requirements in effect at that time.

Advertising & Compliance

All advertisements for short-term rental properties, including online listings, must clearly display the property's City-issued short-term rental permit number.

Property owners are responsible for following all applicable regulations. Violations may result in citations, fines, or permit revocation.

Before You Apply

Not all properties qualify for a short-term rental permit. Property owners are encouraged to review the updated requirements and confirm their property's eligibility before submitting an application or advertising a rental.

Application Fees

• Annual Fee - $1500
• One-time Conversion Fee - $1500
• Tri-annual Fees:
  • Base fee - $325
  • Room/unit fee - $40/room
  • Non-conforming parking - $100/space

Application & Inspection Process

Once the Life Safety Division receives a completed short-term rental application and all required fees, an initial inspection will be scheduled within 7–10 business days.

The licensing process includes:

1. Submit Your Application: Complete the rental license application and submit all required fees.

2. Initial Inspection: A code official will inspect the property to identify any housing code violations or required corrections.

3. Make Necessary Corrections: If violations are identified, the property owner must complete the required corrections.

4. Reinspection: If corrections are necessary, a follow-up inspection will verify that the property meets minimum housing code requirements.

5. License Issuance: Once the property meets all applicable requirements, the rental license will be issued.

Important: City ordinance requires property owners to obtain a rental license with an Issued status before renting out the property. Submitting an application does not authorize rental occupancy. Property owners should confirm that their property is eligible for short-term rental use and obtain all required approvals before advertising or renting the property.

Applications for short-term rentals can be obtained by contacting the Life Safety Office.

Questions About Rental Licensing?

The Life Safety Division is available to assist property owners with rental licensing questions, inspection requirements, and the application process.

Contact the Life Safety Division

• Phone: 218-730-430
• Email: lifesafety@duluthmn.gov