Anchorage Short-Term Rental Regulations

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Register through the free online municipal portal (opens May 1, 2026; registration deadline July 31, 2026). Provide the street address and type of living unit, owner names and a local contact person, whether the unit is rented seasonally or year-round, whether it was rented long-term in the past year, and whether the owner resides on the property. After attesting to the information, the owner receives a registration number that must be displayed in listings.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 12% of gross rental income.

Collection: Operators register each rental business with the Treasury Division and self-collect and remit the 12% room tax. Operators who exclusively use a registered hosting platform (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO/HomeAway) do not separately register with Treasury, because the platform collects and remits the tax on the operator's behalf.

Filing: Quarterly; returns and payments due within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter (April 30, July 30, October 30, and January 30)

Rental Limits

Anchorage does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-term rentals were not expressly addressed in Anchorage's Title 21 zoning code, so they were technically not an allowable use in residential zones; AO 2025-115(S-2) created a registration framework to patch this gap

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Anchorage does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Maximum penalty: $75 per violation.

Platform Requirements

Operators must display their registration number in any advertising/listing. The ordinance prohibits hosting platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) from collecting fees for rental listings that lack the required registration or fail to display the registration number.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Anchorage:

1. Apply for Short-Term Rental Registration. Submit application + $0 fee.
2. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Municipality of Anchorage, Treasury Division (Department of Finance).
3. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 12% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Anchorage?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Anchorage requires a Short-Term Rental Registration.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Anchorage?

A Short-Term Rental Registration in Anchorage is free — there is no application fee.

Does Anchorage require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Anchorage allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Anchorage?

Anchorage does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Anchorage?

Short-term rental stays in Anchorage are subject to a 12% Room Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting it.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Anchorage?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $75 per violation.