Minnesota Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Minnesota imposes its 6.875% state sales tax on short-term lodging, and local governments add lodging taxes. Minneapolis and St. Paul require STR licenses. The Boundary Waters area, Duluth, and Brainerd Lakes are popular STR markets.
Varies; Minneapolis/St. Paul require licenses
STR license
6.875% state sales tax + local lodging taxes (tota
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Minnesota Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Minnesota requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for MN short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Minnesota Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Minnesota can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies; Minneapolis/St. Paul require licenses — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Minnesota Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Minnesota Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Minnesota vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with MN requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Minnesota property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Minnesota occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Minnesota House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Minnesota under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Minnesota Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Minnesota imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for MN vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6.875% state sales tax + local lodging taxes (total 10-13%) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in MN |
Sample Minnesota Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Minnesota-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF MINNESOTA
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Minnesota Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Minnesota Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Minnesota Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Minnesota vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Minnesota Resources
Use these official resources for Minnesota short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
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