Dakota County, MN Short-Term Rentals: Night Caps (2026)
Key Facts
- STR definition
- 30 consecutive days or less
- County night cap
- None
- Mendota Hts minimum stay
- Two nights
- Annual night cap
- Not typical (check city)
- Set by
- Your city
Summary
Dakota County sets no minimum or maximum night rule. A short-term rental is any stay of 30 consecutive days or less. Cities may add minimums; Mendota Heights requires a two-night minimum stay.
Short term home rental reservations must have a minimum two (2) night stay.
Full Breakdown
Night limits for short-term rentals are municipal. Minnesota and city codes define a short-term home rental as furnishing lodging for 30 consecutive calendar days or less, above which it becomes a longer-term tenancy exempt from STR rules. Dakota County imposes no cap on nights. Some cities add a minimum stay: Mendota Heights City Code 3-5A-4(A)(3) requires short-term rental reservations to have a minimum two-night stay. Cities do not commonly set an annual night cap here, but always confirm any minimum-stay or annual-limit rule with your municipality.
Violations & Fines
Booking below a required minimum stay, or renting beyond the 30-day STR window without proper status, is a city licensing violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a minimum number of nights?
What counts as a short-term rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Dakota County
Compare Dakota County to another location·View the Minnesota short-term rentals overview
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