Tourist Home
What is a Tourist Home?
A Tourist Home is a private home or condominium that is not occupied by an owner or manager and is rented, leased or furnished in its entirety to guests on a daily or weekly basis. Tourist Homes are sometimes called vacation rentals.
The new rules do not apply to the rental of only a bedroom or bedrooms within an occupied dwelling unit. The new rules do not apply to the rental of an entire dwelling unit on a monthly or yearly basis.
Registration Process
A one page, double sided application is required with your registration fee. Staff are available to help answer questions and complete required information. You will need to know your zoning designation and dwelling unit square footage. You will also need to identify an individual (either a property owner or property manager) as the local responsible party and identify contact information for all persons (address, email and telephone).
Registration Fee
Initial registration of a Tourist Home is $52.00. The annual renewal of a Tourist Home is $27.00 and can be done online. Registration fees are non-refundable and required at the time of application. Registrations are not pro-rated and expire on January 31st of each year.
Contact Information
Development Services
435 Ryman, Missoula
406.552.6630
Forms & Checklists
Tourist Home Registration Form (PDF)
Tourist Home Inspection Checklist (PDF)
Other Contacts
City County Health Department
301 W Alder, Missoula
406.258.4755
MT Department of Revenue
Citizen Services Call Center
1.800.859.2254
Compliance with New Rules
Tourist Home operators must meet rules identified in the City Ordinance (PDF), including but not limited to
- Compliance with housing safety code.
- Maximum occupancy of one guest per 150 square feet of floor area.
- Notification to property owner(s) and resident(s) is required for all properties located with residential (R) districts. Notification must occur one parcel deep surrounding the subject property excluding the Right-Of-Way (ROW).
See below example of how to apply definition of "one parcel deep." The proposed tourist home parcel is a solid gray color - the parcels with dashed lines must receive notification.
Tourist Home operators must also obtain a Public Accommodations License from the Missoula City County Health Department and register a Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax account with the Montana Department of Revenue.
Enforcement
Please remind your guests that they are staying in a residential area and request they respect your neighbor's enjoyment of their properties. Repeated violations of City Ordinances will result in revocation of the right to operate a Tourist Home.
Direct complaints about unregistered Tourist Homes to Development Services 406.552.6630
You may also complete a Citizen Complaint Form.
Direct complaints about nuisance issues at a Tourist Home to the Missoula City Police Department
Non emergencies 406.258.3452 | Emergencies 911
Additional Information and Resources
Operation of a Tourist Home may be prohibited by homeowner association covenants, condominium by-laws, or other contracts and agreements not governed by the City of Missoula. Check before you register.
Standard homeowner's insurance does not cover short-term rental use. Check to make sure you have adequate home, personal property, and liability insurance.