Minneapolis STR License Guide
How to Get a Minneapolis Short-Term Rental License
Every STR host in Minneapolis is required by law to hold a license. Operating without one carries fines of up to $2,000. Here's the complete process — step by step.
Allow 2–6 weeks for processing. Apply before your first booking — do not list your property on Airbnb or VRBO until your license is approved.
Do I need a license?
Yes, if you rent any property in Minneapolis for fewer than 30 consecutive days — on any platform (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com, or direct) — you need a Minneapolis STR license. No exceptions.
Type 1 vs. Type 2 — which do you need?
| Type 1 | Type 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Owner presence | Owner/occupant lives at the property | Owner does not live there (investment property) |
| Max rental nights | 180 nights/year | 60 nights/year (or unlimited in eligible zones — verify your zoning) |
| Typical host | Renting your home or spare room while traveling | Remote investor or property manager |
| Inspection required | Generally no | Fire safety inspection required before license issued |
What you'll need before you apply
Property address and legal description (on your deed or tax statement)
Proof of property ownership or landlord authorization (if renting)
Homeowner's or landlord's insurance with STR coverage — standard homeowner's insurance often excludes STR activity
Minnesota state ID or driver's license
Federal Tax ID or Social Security Number (for fee payment)
$46 license fee (verify current fee at minneapolismn.gov before applying)
For Type 2: fire safety inspection documentation (see Step 3)
Verify your zoning
Not every Minneapolis property is eligible for a Type 2 STR license. Check your zoning on the City of Minneapolis zoning map (minneapolismn.gov → CPED → Zoning).
General guidance (verify with the city — zoning maps change):
R1–R2A (low-density residential)
Type 1 only in most cases
R3+ (medium/high-density residential)
Type 2 generally allowed
Commercial / mixed-use zones
Type 2 generally allowed
TOD (transit-oriented)
Verify with 311
Get STR-specific insurance
Standard homeowner's or renter's insurance does not cover short-term rental activity. You need a policy that explicitly covers STR hosting. Airbnb's AirCover provides some liability protection but does not replace a property insurance policy.
Proper Insurance
STR-specific, widely used by Airbnb hosts
CBIZ
STR endorsement on an existing policy
Slice
On-demand, per-night coverage option
Fire safety requirements (Type 2 properties)
Type 2 licenses require a city fire safety inspection. Prepare by verifying all items below before your scheduled inspection:
Smoke detector on every level and in every sleeping room
CO detector within 10 feet of every sleeping room
2.5 lb ABC fire extinguisher in kitchen, fully charged
All sleeping room windows meet egress size requirements (at least 20" wide, 24" tall, 5.7 sq ft opening)
Emergency exit information posted — a simple printed floor plan with exit arrows is sufficient
Submit your application
Online:Go to Minneapolis 311 Online (app.minneapolismn.gov) → Licenses & Permits → Short-Term Rental License. Complete all fields, upload your insurance certificate and required inspection documents, pay the $46 fee online.
In person: Minneapolis Development Review Office, 55 4th Street N, Room 100, Minneapolis, MN 55401.
Schedule your inspection (Type 2)
After submission, Minneapolis will contact you to schedule a fire safety inspection within 2–4 weeks. The inspector checks the items from Step 3. If anything fails, you have 10 business days to correct and request a re-inspection.
Receive your license
After approval, your license is mailed and also available digitally in the 311 portal. Your license number must be displayed in your Airbnb listing(under "Local laws" in listing settings) and on any advertising. Failure to display it is a separate violation from operating without a license.
Annual renewal
Minneapolis STR licenses renew annually. You'll receive a renewal notice 60 days before expiration. Renewal requires updated insurance proof and the same $46 fee. Set a calendar reminder — an expired license carries the same penalties as no license.
Free Help
Want help with your application?
We've been through the Minneapolis STR licensing process ourselves. If you're using GSS for cleaning, we'll walk through your application on a free 30-minute call at no charge.
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