Portland, ME Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Unlike many other STR-heavy cities (e.g., San Francisco's $500,000 liability requirement), Portland does not set an explicit minimum liability-insurance dollar amount in its short-term rental ordinance. The registration application (City of Portland Permitting and Inspections, version 10/20/22) requires owner identification, corporate disclosure, a primary residence affidavit, a notarized landlord statement of permission (for tenant-occupied units), and condo/HOA attestation — but does not list a certificate of insurance among the required documents. Maine has no statewide STR insurance statute either. As a practical matter, hosts should carry a dedicated short-term rental policy or rider because standard homeowner / landlord policies typically exclude commercial transient-lodging activity. Airbnb's AirCover and Vrbo's host damage protection are supplemental and not a substitute for primary insurance. Property owners in condominium or homeowners-association buildings must additionally attest that STR use is allowed under the association's governing documents and provide a copy.