Overnight guest occupancy in each Portland short-term rental is capped at two guests per bedroom, plus a maximum of two additional guests in shared/common space, under Portland Code §§ 6-150 et seq.
Portland Code of Ordinances Chapter 6, Article VI limits overnight short-term rental occupancy to two (2) guests per bedroom, plus no more than two (2) additional guests in non-bedroom space (so a one-bedroom STR caps at 4 guests, a two-bedroom at 6, a three-bedroom at 8, etc.). The cap is calculated on dedicated bedrooms — loft beds, futons in living rooms, and convertible sofas do not increase the bedroom count. Additionally, Portland's 2026 building-cap rules limit how many units in a multi-unit building may operate as STRs: in a 2- or 3-unit building only one STR is allowed; a 4- or 5-unit building allows 2 STRs; a 6–9 unit building allows 3 STRs (the 2026 FAQ states 3, while older application materials stated 4); and 10+ unit buildings allow 5 STRs. Mainland single-family homes and condos may only be registered as STRs if they are owner-occupied (the owner's primary residence for more than six months per year).
Exceeding occupancy or operating in a building above its STR cap is a violation of Portland Code §§ 6-150 et seq., enforceable by Permitting and Inspections through registration revocation, denial of renewal, and civil penalties under 30-A MRS § 4452 (typically $100–$2,500 per day per violation).
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