Eugene's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Eugene, Oregon, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Taxes & Fees

Every Eugene short-term rental stay is subject to a 4.5% transient lodging tax under EC 3.772, collected by the host or the booking platform and remitted to the city. EC 3.775 blocks hosting platforms from even charging a booking fee unless the short-term rental is registered with the city at the time it's occupied.

Key details: Transient lodging tax rate: 4.5% of rent (EC 3.772(1)). Collector's administrative fee: 5% of net tax due (EC 3.772(2)). Platform booking fee condition: Only if STR is registered (EC 3.775). Return filing deadline: Last day of month after quarter (EC 3.782). Willful violation penalty: Up to $500 fine/6 months jail (EC 3.997).

Willfully violating any provision of EC 3.772 through 3.800, including failing to collect, remit, or accurately report the transient lodging tax, is a misdemeanor under EC 3.997 punishable by a fine of up to $500, up to six months in jail, or both. Late remittances also draw 1% monthly interest under EC 3.782(6), and the city can pursue delinquent tax collectors for the unpaid amount plus interest and penalties.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Eugene requires every short-term rental owner to register with the city before renting out a home, duplex, apartment, or spare bedroom for stays under 30 days. EC 3.350 sets what the registration must contain, requires annual renewal, and folds the rental into the city's 4.5% transient lodging tax. Current through Ordinance 20739 (June 8, 2026).

Key details: Registration: Required before renting any unit under 30 days. Info required: Street address, local contact name/phone, owner-occupied status. Renewal: Annual, update or affirm accuracy. Tax: 4.5% transient lodging tax also applies (EC 3.770-3.800). Penalty: Up to $500 civil fine per day (EC 3.995).

EC 3.350 carries no purpose-built penalty, so an unregistered rental falls under EC 3.995, the chapter's general penalty: a civil fine up to $500, or an administrative civil penalty under EC 3.045, with each day the rental operates unregistered counted as a separate violation. The city's business license office administers registration and can pursue enforcement against listings operating without a current registration.

The Bottom Line

Eugene's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Eugene is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Eugene can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.