Overview

Short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Lincoln, NH with proper registration and compliance with local regulations. The town implemented a comprehensive Short-Term Rental Registration Program in October 2020, requiring all STR operators to obtain permits before operating. As of January 2021, registration is mandatory for all short-term rental properties.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Lincoln, NH

Step 1: Property Assessment and Zoning Verification

Before proceeding with registration, ensure your property meets the definition of a short-term rental under New Hampshire RSA 48-A:1. The town defines a Short-Term Rental as "any individually or collectively owned single-family house or dwelling unit, or any unit or group of units in a condominium, cooperative, timeshare, or owner-occupied residential home that is offered for a fee for less than 30 consecutive days."

Step 2: Complete Registration Application

Submit a short-term rental registration form, which can be obtained from:

• The official town website at www.lincolnnh.org
• Lincoln Town Hall in person

Step 3: Pay Registration Fee

The registration fee is $50.00 per tax parcel annually.

Step 4: Submit Application

Applications can be submitted:

• In-person: Lincoln Town Hall, 148 Main Street, P.O. Box 25, Lincoln, NH 03251
• By mail: Same address as above

Step 5: Receive Permit

Upon approval, you will receive a short-term rental permit that must be displayed and maintained according to local requirements.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents and Permits:

1. Short-Term Rental Registration Application ($50 fee)
2. Annual Registration Renewal (ongoing requirement)
3. Short-Term Rental Permit (issued upon approval)

Compliance Guidelines:

Operators must ensure guests are aware of and comply with the following town ordinances:

• Transfer Station/Recycling Facility Regulations
• Winter & Inclement Weather Ordinance
• Disorderly Action Ordinance
• Wild Animal Ordinance
• Public Drinking Ordinance
• Drug Paraphernalia Ordinance
• Permissible Fireworks Ordinance
• Animal Control Ordinance

Operational Requirements:

• Maintain current contact information with the town
• Display permit information prominently
• Ensure guest compliance with all applicable ordinances
• Maintain property in safe and suitable condition

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Lincoln Town Regulations

Definition and Scope:

• Applies to all properties offering lodging for less than 30 consecutive days
• Includes single-family homes, condominiums, cooperatives, timeshares, and owner-occupied properties
• Registration required for each tax parcel

Registration Requirements:

• Mandatory registration as of January 2021
• $50 annual fee per tax parcel
• Registration must be completed before operating

Penalty Structure for Non-Registration:

• First offense: Written warning
• Second offense: $100 fee
• Third offense: $500 fee (after 10 days since second offense)
• Additional offenses: $1,000 fee per offense (after 10 days for registration since third offense)

Nuisance and Revocation Process:

• Permits may be revoked for properties becoming nuisances
• Minimum of three incidents within one year, validated by Lincoln Police Department or NH State Police
• Contact person must be notified of problematic occupant actions
• Post-revocation operation results in $1,000 fine per 10-day period

Appeal Process:

• Owners may appeal revocation to the Board of Selectmen within 30 days
• Selectmen must hold hearing within 45 days
• May affirm revocation or overturn it
• If overturned, conditions may be imposed for permit reinstatement

Grafton County Regulations

No specific county-level STR regulations were identified in the provided content. Operations are governed primarily by town regulations.

New Hampshire State Regulations

• Short-term rentals are governed under RSA 48-A:1
• State definition aligns with local definitions
• No additional state-level registration requirements specified in provided content

Enforcement and Monitoring

Registration Statistics (as of 2020):

• Estimated 800-1,000 short-term rentals operating in Lincoln
• 255 units registered as of mid-February 2021
• Active enforcement of registration requirements

Monitoring Agencies:

• Lincoln Police Department
• New Hampshire State Police (when applicable)
• Town enforcement officers

Contact Information for Local Authority

Primary Contact:

Lincoln Town Hall - Short-Term Rental Department

• Address: 148 Main Street, P.O. Box 25, Lincoln, NH 03251
• Phone: 603-745-2757
• Fax: 603-745-6743

Online Resources:

• Official Website: www.lincolnnh.org
• Registration Portal: Available through the town's secure online system
• Application Forms: Available online at www.lincolnnh.org

Appeal Authority:

Board of Selectmen

• Handles permit revocation appeals
• Must conduct hearings within 45 days of appeal filing

Source Links

1. Lincoln Town Short-Term Rental Department: www.lincolnnh.gov/short-term-rental-department-all-you-need-to-know
2. Short-Term Rental Registration Application: secure.hostcompliance.com/lincoln-nh/permit-registration/welcome
3. Airbnb Host Information - Lincoln, NH: www.airbnb.ca/help/article/3079
4. Town Registration Form: www.lincolnnh.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4611/f/uploads/town_of_lincoln_str_application_final_11_16_20_0.pdf
5. Complete Local Rules: www.lincolnnh.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif4611/f/uploads/approved_signed_short_term_rental_regulation.pdf
6. Lincoln 2020 Annual Report: www.lincolnstation.org/uploads/5/0/8/4/50840189/lincoln_2020_short_term_rental.pdf

Important Notes for Investors:

• Registration is mandatory and strictly enforced
• Properties must comply with all town ordinances
• Nuisance violations can result in permit revocation
• Annual renewal is required to maintain active status
• The town actively monitors and enforces compliance with approximately 255 registered units as of 2021 data

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for operating legally compliant short-term rentals in Lincoln, NH. Investors should maintain ongoing compliance monitoring and stay updated on any regulatory changes through official town communications.