Cambridge, Minnesota Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview and Bottom Line

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cambridge, MN. However, there is no city‑specific “short‑term rental” license separate from the city’s general Rental Registration program. All rental properties—regardless of stay duration—must be registered under Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 99. If your property is located outside city limits but within Isanti County, you must also comply with the county’s Short‑Term Rental ordinance. At the state level, STRs that offer lodging to the public are treated as lodging establishments and must comply with Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 and related state requirements.

Practical implications:

Inside Cambridge city limits: complete Cambridge rental registration (Chapter 99) and meet Minnesota lodging laws.
Outside Cambridge city limits in Isanti County: comply with the county STR ordinance plus state lodging laws.
There is no separate city STR permit in Cambridge; do not confuse this with Cambridge, MA (which does have specific STR rules—outside the scope of this guide).

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Cambridge?

Cambridge hosts earn a median $28,978/year with $258 ADR and 44% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $36,849+ per year.

See the full Cambridge market breakdown

How to Start an STR in This Market

Follow this step-by-step to operate lawfully:

Confirm jurisdiction and zoning

Determine whether your property is inside Cambridge city limits or within Isanti County’s unincorporated areas. Zoning governs what uses are permitted.
- Inside Cambridge: contact Planning & Zoning (763-552-3200) or see Planning & Zoning in the City Directory.
- Isanti County: contact the Zoning Office (763-689-5165) and review the Isanti County Zoning Ordinance (PDF).

Complete and submit the City’s Rental Registration Form (PDF) for each unit.
Pay the $25 per‑unit registration fee.
Appoint a rental manager.
Post the city‑issued certificate in each rental unit.
Renew every two years by December 31 of odd‑numbered years; late renewal after January 31 incurs double fees.

Meet Minnesota lodging laws

Obtain any required state lodging license/permit and follow Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 and related rules for lodging establishments (including safety, sanitation, and operational requirements). Confirm current requirements with the appropriate state agency.

If in Isanti County (unincorporated)

Apply for the county Short‑Term Rental permit/approval and comply with the county STR ordinance, which includes safety, operational, and reporting standards specific to short‑term rentals.

Ongoing compliance

Maintain insurance appropriate for transient lodging.
Keep accurate records of bookings, guests, and communications.
Be responsive to inspections and enforcement.
Track renewal deadlines (Cambridge: Dec 31 of odd years; County: per the county STR ordinance).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Inside Cambridge city limits:

Cambridge Rental Registration Form (PDF)
Rental Registration certificate (issued post-approval)
Payment of $25 per unit
Appointment of a rental manager
State lodging license/permit, as required under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157
Insurance and any other documents required by state lodging regulations

Outside Cambridge city limits (Isanti County):

Isanti County Short‑Term Rental permit/approval under the county STR ordinance
Documentation required by the county STR ordinance (e.g., proof of compliance with safety standards)
State lodging license/permit, as required under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157

State of Minnesota (applies statewide):

Minnesota lodging establishment license/permit, as required under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157
Compliance with state health, safety, and building codes for lodging operations

Cambridge landlord-tenant best practices:

Minnesota Attorney General’s Landlords and Tenants brochure (PDF)

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

Cambridge (City)

Chapter 99: Rental Housing Registration
- Applies to all rental units in the city, including STRs.
- Separate registration for each unit ($25/unit).
- Owner must appoint a rental manager.
- Registration expires December 31 of odd‑numbered years; renewals after January 31 pay double fees.
- Certificate must be posted in each rental unit.
Registration exemptions:
- Property owner is related to the tenant (per Ordinance Chapter 99).
- State‑registered/licensed facilities or public housing.
- Owner occupies the residence and rents to two or fewer tenants with shared living space. Secondary kitchens or separate entrances require registration.
Building and housing codes apply. For construction/alterations, consult Building Permits and the City’s Building regulations.

Isanti County (Unincorporated Areas)

Isanti County Short‑Term Rental Ordinance (PDF)
- Governs STRs in unincorporated parts of the county.
- Includes specific eligibility, safety, and operational standards; review the full ordinance for detail.

State of Minnesota

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 157 (Lodging Establishments)
- Establishes licensing and operational standards for lodging providers offering rooms to the public.
State lodging tax and local taxes may apply depending on the transaction and location. Confirm with the Minnesota Department of Revenue and your local tax authority.

Contact Information and Authorities

Cambridge (City)

City Main Phone: (763) 689-3211
City Hall Address: 300 3rd Ave NE, Cambridge, MN 55008
Rental Registration Inquiries: Amy Norling, anorling@ci.cambridge.mn.us, (763) 552-3257
Planning & Zoning (Cambridge): (763) 552-3200
City Directory: City Departments page
Codes & Ordinances: City Code Book and Ordinances

Isanti County (Unincorporated Areas)

Isanti County Government Center: 555 18th Avenue SW, Cambridge, MN 55008
Zoning Office Phone: (763) 689-5165
County Ordinances: Ordinances page (includes the STR ordinance PDF)

Links to Source Pages and Documents

Cambridge Rental Registration page: www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/doing-business/rental-registration
Cambridge Rental Registration Form (PDF): www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/home/showpublisheddocument/6289/638799821538730000
Cambridge Municipal Code Chapter 99: Rental Housing Registration (PDF): www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/home/showpublisheddocument/4689/638065377614870000
City of Cambridge Codes & Ordinances (Table of Contents): www.ci.cambridge.mn.us/your-government/codes-ordinances
Isanti County Ordinances (Table of Contents): www.co.isanti.mn.us/405/Ordinances
Isanti County Short-Term Rental Ordinance (PDF): www.co.isanti.mn.us/DocumentCenter/View/2842/Short-Term-Rental-PDF
Isanti County Zoning Office (phone): 763-689-5165 (Contact via county Ordinances page)
Minnesota Attorney General: Landlords and Tenants (PDF): www.ag.state.mn.us/Brochures/pubLandlordTenants.pdf

Note: This guide reflects Cambridge, Minnesota (Isanti County) rules and Minnesota state law. It is not related to Cambridge, Massachusetts rules.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Cambridge

Cambridge is a small city of roughly eight thousand residents in Isanti County, in east-central Minnesota. It sits along the Rum River about fifty miles north of Minneapolis–Saint Paul, giving it the feel of a quiet rural community that remains within an easy drive of the Twin Cities metro area. The city functions as a gateway to the lake country, forests, and river valleys of east-central Minnesota, and its compact downtown and riverside parks reflect a heritage rooted in logging and Scandinavian settlement. With its blend of small-town character and proximity to outdoor recreation, Cambridge appeals to visitors looking for a low-key base that still puts them within reach of larger regional destinations.

The Rum River flows directly through Cambridge and is one of the defining features of the area. Locals and visitors alike use the river for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing, and the wooded banks and adjacent parks give the town a calm, nature-oriented feel. Short paddles and longer stretches upstream and downstream make the river a natural draw for anyone seeking a relaxed outdoor experience without leaving the city limits.

Roughly twenty miles to the east, Wild River State Park follows the St. Croix River, one of the designated National Wild and Scenic Rivers in the region. The park offers miles of hiking trails, riverside campsites, and opportunities for canoeing on the St. Croix, which forms part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin. Its quiet, wooded setting makes it a popular day trip or overnight excursion for travelers based in Cambridge.

The surrounding Isanti County landscape is dotted with smaller lakes and public access points, and the broader region of east-central Minnesota includes additional state recreation areas and wildlife management lands that draw hunters, anglers, and snowmobilers in different seasons. For visitors who want a bit more urban energy, the drive south into the Twin Cities opens up major shopping, dining, professional sports, and cultural attractions, all reachable in roughly an hour under typical traffic conditions. Closer to home, neighboring communities such as Isanti and North Branch add a few more small-town stops along the way.

Cambridge works well as a short-term rental base precisely because it sits at the intersection of rural Minnesota and the metropolitan fringe. Guests can spend their days on the river, exploring nearby state parks, or sampling the pace of small-town life, and still return to a comfortable rental that is conveniently located for a day trip into the Twin Cities. This combination of accessibility, natural surroundings, and understated character gives the city a steady appeal for travelers who want both quiet and convenience in a single stay.