The short answer: since July 1, 2026, no Idaho city or county can require a license, fee, permit or registration to operate a short-term rental, and Boise has repealed its license. You still need to follow basic safety rules, collect or confirm lodging taxes, and check your HOA.
What HB 583 changed
House Bill 583 amended Idaho Code 67-6539, effective July 1, 2026. The law now says plainly: “No county or city shall require a license, fee, permit, certification, or registration to operate a short-term rental.” Cities and counties also may not ban short-term rentals outright or in practical effect.
What local governments can still require
A city or county may adopt only these safety requirements for short-term rentals:
- Working smoke alarms in sleeping areas (and basements, living and family rooms where applicable).
- A working fire extinguisher and carbon monoxide detector on each floor.
- Removable escape ladders in above-ground sleeping areas with a window.
- Occupancy limits no stricter than the residential building code allows.
- An easy-to-find guest handout showing exits, fire extinguisher and first aid kit locations, and an emergency contact number.
General rules on noise, parking and nuisances still apply to every property.
City by city
| Area | Status |
|---|---|
| Boise | License repealed May 12, 2026, effective May 18, 2026. The city still enforces nuisance, noise, parking, safety and occupancy rules (City of Boise). |
| Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell & Eagle | Covered by the state rule: no city license, permit or registration may be required. |
| McCall | State rule applies to permits. McCall's 7% local option tax on lodging still applies, and Airbnb and VRBO remit it on platform bookings (City of McCall). |
| Valley County (Donnelly) & Boise County (Lowman) | Counties are covered by the same state rule. Confirm any county-level updates before listing. |
Lodging taxes still apply
Idaho taxes rentals of 30 days or less. A vacation home or private residence rented short term is subject to the 6% sales tax and the 2% travel and convention tax, plus an auditorium district tax where one applies (Idaho State Tax Commission).
- Platform bookings: short-term rental marketplaces are responsible for collecting all taxes due on lodging booked through them (Tax Commission).
- Direct bookings: you need a seller's permit and a travel and convention tax permit, and you file returns — even for periods with no sales (Tax Commission).
Before you list: a quick checklist
- Read your HOA's CC&Rs — private covenants can still restrict short-term rentals.
- Install the required smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguishers and escape ladders.
- Post a guest safety handout with exits and an emergency contact.
- Set occupancy within building-code limits.
- Get Idaho tax permits if you'll take any direct bookings.
- Tell your insurer the home is a short-term rental.
Not legal advice. Laws change. Confirm current requirements with the agencies linked above or an Idaho attorney before you list. Last verified October 9, 2026.
FAQ
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Boise?
No. Boise repealed its short-term rental license effective May 18, 2026, and Idaho law now bars cities and counties from requiring a license, fee, permit, certification or registration to operate a short-term rental.
Can an Idaho city ban short-term rentals?
No. Idaho Code 67-6539 prohibits cities and counties from banning short-term rentals, directly or in effect. They can still enforce general noise, parking, nuisance and safety rules.
What lodging taxes apply to Idaho short-term rentals?
Stays of 30 days or less are subject to Idaho's 6% sales tax and 2% travel and convention tax, plus any auditorium district or local option tax where the property sits. Airbnb and VRBO collect these on bookings made through their platforms.
Do I need an Idaho seller's permit for my Airbnb?
If every booking comes through a marketplace that collects the tax, the State Tax Commission says you technically don't need the permits. If you take any direct bookings, you need a seller's permit and a travel and convention tax permit and must file returns.
Can my HOA still prohibit short-term rentals?
State preemption limits cities and counties, not private covenants. Check your HOA's CC&Rs before listing.
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