Andover, Minnesota Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in Andover, MN. However, the city has specific requirements that property owners must meet to operate a legitimate short-term rental business. The most recent regulatory development indicates that Andover voters recently rejected a proposal to add short-term rentals as a conditional use under zoning bylaws, yet the city still requires property owners to obtain the appropriate rental housing license based on their property type.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Andover?

Andover hosts earn a median $36,596/year with $268 ADR and 56% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $54,344+ per year.

See the full Andover market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Andover, MN

Step 1: Determine Your Property Type and License Requirements

Based on Andover's current regulations, you must obtain either:

Single-Family Rental License with external inspection, OR
Multi-Family Rental License with interior inspection

The type of license required depends on your property configuration and intended use.

Step 2: Obtain the Appropriate Rental Housing License

The City of Andover requires all rental housing to be licensed and inspected. Licenses are issued for two-year terms and all rental housing is routinely inspected at least once within the license term and in response to public request.

Step 3: Complete Application Process

You can apply through either:

Paper Applications:
- Multifamily Rental Application (PDF)
- Single-Family Rental License Application
Online Applications: Available through the city's website

Step 4: Prepare for Inspections

New rental housing licenses are non-transferable, so expect to go through the full inspection process for your property.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

Rental Housing License
- Single-family or multi-family depending on property type
- Two-year license term
- Non-transferable for new owners
Safety and Code Compliance
- Properties must ensure safety and code compliance
- May involve inspections and submission of safety checklists
- External or interior inspections required based on license type
Zoning Compliance
- Properties must comply with local zoning laws
- Verify your property is in an appropriate zoning district for short-term rentals
Written Management Plan
- Detailed plan for managing the short-term rental
- Contact information and guest policies
- Required by city regulations
Insurance Requirements
- Proof of liability insurance required
- Protects the city and neighbors from potential damages
Tax Compliance
- Collect and remit applicable sales and lodging taxes
- Standard Minnesota state requirements
Notification Requirements
- Notification to adjacent property owners may be necessary
- Inform neighbors of intent to operate short-term rental

Additional Considerations:

External Approvals: May be necessary depending on property and use
Septic System Compliance: Additional regulations may apply for properties within Anoka County
Lodging Licenses: Minnesota Department of Health requirements may apply depending on location

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City-Level Regulations (Andover, MN)

Rental Housing Licensing Requirements:

All rental housing must be licensed and inspected
Two-year license terms
Non-transferable licenses for new owners
Routine inspections at least once per license term
Response to public requests for inspections

Inspection Requirements:

Single-Family Properties: External inspection required
Multi-Family Properties: Interior inspection required

Operational Requirements:

Written management plan with contact information and guest policies
Safety and code compliance
Liability insurance proof
Adjacent property owner notification (when required)
Zoning compliance verification

County-Level Regulations (Anoka County)

Additional regulations such as septic system compliance inspections may apply
Properties may require lodging licenses from the Minnesota Department of Health depending on specific location within Anoka County

State-Level Regulations (Minnesota)

Tax Requirements: Collection and remittance of sales and lodging taxes
Health Regulations: Minnesota Department of Health lodging licenses may be required
Landlord/Tenant Rights: Minnesota Office of the Attorney General provides guidance on landlord and tenant rights

Current Regulatory Status

As of 2024, Andover's short-term rental regulations are in a state of development. While voters recently rejected a proposal to add short-term rentals as a conditional use under zoning bylaws, the city continues to require rental housing licenses for short-term rental operations. The Planning Commission and Select Board are working on developing more comprehensive regulations, which may include specifics on compliance timelines and duty of care to transient renters.

Contact Information

Primary Contact: Building Department

Andover City Hall
1685 Crosstown Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
Phone: 763-755-5100
Fax: 763-755-8923
City Hall Hours: Monday - Friday, 8AM to 4:30PM

Additional Resources:

Building Department Forms: Available through city website
Minnesota Office of the Attorney General: Landlord/Tenant Rights Information
City of Andover Ordinances: Chapter 8 (referenced in rental housing licensing page)

Links to Source Pages

Andover Rental Housing Licensing: www.andovermn.gov/413/Rental-Housing-Licensing
RedAwning Market Analysis: www.redawning.com/pm/market-overview/andover-minnesota
Duplex Chick Metro Area STR Guide: duplexchick.com/2021/11/18/short-term-rentals-still-allowed-almost-everywhere-but-minneapolis-and-a-few-suburbs/
Andover Zoning Regulations: www.andovermn.gov/DocumentCenter/View/254/Title-12---Zoning-Regulations-PDF-

Important Notes for Investors

Regulatory Uncertainty: While short-term rentals are currently allowed, the regulatory framework is still evolving
Inspection Requirements: Properties must meet inspection standards, which may require upgrades or modifications
License Renewal: Plan for routine inspections and license renewals every two years
Zoning Verification: Always verify zoning compliance before purchasing property for short-term rental use
Professional Consultation: Consider consulting with local real estate professionals and legal advisors familiar with Andover's current regulations

This guide represents the current regulatory environment as of 2024. Given the ongoing development of regulations, investors should verify current requirements with the city before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Andover

Andover is a suburban city in Anoka County, Minnesota, situated in the north-central part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. With a population of roughly 32,000, it has grown steadily from a once-rural township into a well-established commuter community characterized by newer residential neighborhoods, wooded lots, and a relaxed pace that still benefits from quick access to the larger metro region. Andover lies approximately 25 miles north of downtown Minneapolis and is best understood as a quiet, family-friendly base from which visitors can reach both the natural landscapes of central Minnesota and the cultural and sporting attractions of the Twin Cities.

One of the area's most significant outdoor amenities is Bunker Hills Regional Park, a sprawling Anoka County park that stretches across the Andover and Coon Rapids area. It offers miles of paved and natural-surface trails suitable for walking, jogging, biking, and cross-country skiing in winter, along with a disc golf course, picnic areas, and a popular regional golf course. The park is only a short drive from most parts of Andover and provides a convenient taste of Minnesota's outdoors without leaving the suburbs.

The Rum River flows through the heart of Andover, giving the city a distinctive natural corridor that is unusual for a suburb of its size. Public accesses along the river allow residents and visitors to launch canoes and kayaks for a gentle paddle through wooded banks, and the Rum River State Water Trail extends well beyond the city limits, connecting paddlers to a broader network of routes through central Minnesota. Its presence shapes much of the city's recreational identity and adds a quiet, scenic element to the surrounding neighborhoods.

Just to the south of Andover lies the city of Anoka, a historic river town long known as the self-proclaimed Halloween Capital of the World. Its annual Anoka Halloween celebration, dating back to 1920, draws visitors each October with parades, costumes, and community events, while the city's preserved downtown offers antique shops, restaurants, and riverfront views year-round. From Andover, reaching downtown Anoka typically takes only about 10 to 15 minutes by car.

A short drive south also brings travelers into the heart of Minneapolis and Saint Paul, where major league sporting venues, the Mississippi Riverfront, museums, theaters, and a celebrated restaurant scene await. Andover's appeal as a short-term rental base lies in this balance: it offers a calm, suburban setting with genuine outdoor recreation on its doorstep, while keeping the broader offerings of the Twin Cities within a roughly 30-minute drive.