Kennebunkport, Maine Short Term Rental Regulations
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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Kennebunkport Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-term rentals are regulated in the town of Kennebunkport. Short-term rentals are defined as the use, control, management, or operation of a legally existing residential dwelling unit offered for rent for transient occupancy for dwelling, sleeping, or lodging purposes by short-term rental guests for a tenancy of less than 30 consecutive days, for compensation, directly or indirectly, excluding motels, hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, inns, seasonal rental accommodation complexes, and residential rental accommodations. The maximum tenant occupancy of a short-term rental shall be limited to no more than two tenants per bedroom, plus two additional tenants total for the entire dwelling unit. Additional Resources:Business License Requirements
Short-term rentals need to obtain a Short Term Rental License. Online Registrations and Renewals are to begin on October 3, 2022, and close on December 30, 2022. The Board of Selectmen will determine the total number of licenses issued during each calendar year. Beginning on January 1, 2023, the Board of Selectmen's cap on the total number of licenses will be in force. Licensed short-term rentals located in the Goose Rocks Beach Neighborhood shall not be counted towards the total number of short-term rental licenses set annually by the Board of Selectmen under § 129-9A herein and to be issued on an annual basis after that by the Town. Click here to view the map, and click here to view GRB Addresses.Building and Housing Standards
Kennebunkport has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Code Enforcement/Planning Department for more information.Tourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county law.Other Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the Town of Kennebunkport for more information.Is something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
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Short Term City Rating5.3
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Competition
5.3 -
Real Estate Cost
4.6 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
3.6 -
Rental Rates
9.0
Kennebunkport, Maine Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 3,629
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- York
- Airports
- Portland International Jetport (PWM)
- Portsmouth International Airport at Pease (PSM)
Want to learn more about Kennebunkport?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Kennebunkport rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Kennebunkport rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Kennebunkport.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Kennebunkport guests.
Interested in other Maine cities?
Check out the Maine short term rental regulations directory
What makes Kennebunkport a great place to invest?
- Charming New England Atmosphere: Kennebunkport, Maine, is a quintessential New England coastal town that offers visitors an enchanting experience. With its historic architecture, tree-lined streets, and vibrant community, this charming town is the perfect destination for those seeking a laid-back and picturesque vacation.
- Scenic Beaches and Coastal Views: This coastal gem boasts some of the most beautiful sandy beaches in Maine, such as Goose Rocks Beach, Kennebunk Beach, and Gooch's Beach. Visitors can stroll along the shores, sunbathe, or take part in various water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding while enjoying breathtaking ocean views.
- Outdoor Adventures and Activities: Kennebunkport is a haven for nature lovers, offering numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching. The nearby Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge provides miles of well-maintained trails through diverse habitats, allowing visitors to spot native flora and fauna. Additionally, Kennebunkport's prime location makes it a top spot for whale-watching and deep-sea fishing excursions.
- Historic Landmarks and Museums: History enthusiasts will appreciate Kennebunkport's rich past, which is evident through its numerous historical sites and museums. The First Families Kennebunkport Museum and the Seashore Trolley Museum provide a fascinating glimpse into the region's history, while the iconic Walker's Point estate, the summer residence of the late President George H.W. Bush, is a must-see landmark.
- Vibrant Culinary Scene: Kennebunkport's dining scene is a foodie's paradise, offering a diverse range of restaurants, cafes, and local seafood shacks. Indulge in Maine's famous lobster rolls, clam chowder, and freshly caught seafood while enjoying a picturesque waterfront view or a cozy dining atmosphere in one of the many acclaimed establishments.
- Art Galleries and Shopping: The town's thriving art community offers a delightful experience for art enthusiasts, with numerous galleries featuring the works of local and regional artists. The Dock Square area is the heart of Kennebunkport's shopping scene, where visitors can find unique souvenirs, artisan crafts, and boutique shops to commemorate their visit.
Kennebunkport Nearby Cities
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19 miles away
- Rating: 6.3
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24 miles away
- Rating: 5.9
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Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Kennebunkport?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Kennebunkport has increased 14% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $371, which is higher than the national average.
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Median Sale Price
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$604,309
14% YoY
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Median per Square Foot
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$371
15% YoY
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Average Monthly Rent
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$2,713
0% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Kennebunkport
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Kennebunkport, Maine
Common terms for Kennebunkport short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Kennebunkport has a description approximately 1,275 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,012 listings in Kennebunkport, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Beach, Deck, Cottage, Kennebunkport, Outdoor, Beautiful, Perfect, Family, Wells Beach, and Vacation.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Kennebunkport?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Kennebunkport involve Antiquing, Swimming, the Beach, Boating, and Whale Watching. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
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Antiquing
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Swimming
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Beach
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Boating
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Whale Watching
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Surfing
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Cycling
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Sailing
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Outlet Shopping
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Kayaking
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Adventure Activities
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Hiking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Kennebunkport, including Ogunquit Beach, Perkins Cove, Marginal Way, Long Sands Beach, and Dock Square. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
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Regional Landmark
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Dock Square
Included on most listings
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Regional Landmark
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Goose Rocks Beach
Included on most listings
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Local Landmark
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Gooch's Beach
Included on most listings
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Local Landmark
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Wells Beach
Included on 92% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Kennebunkport Harbor
Included on 90% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Ogunquit Beach
Included on 88% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Moody Beach
Included on 87% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Footbridge Beach
Included on 84% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Marginal Way
Included on 83% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Perkins Cove
Included on 81% of listings
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Local Landmark
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Bush Compound
Included on 51% of listings
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Regional Landmark
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Long Sands Beach
Included on 47% of listings
What’s the weather like in Kennebunkport, Maine?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 56°, while the average low is about 39°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 38 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 48 inches per year. The humidity levels in Kennebunkport are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
20° Low 36° High
Spring
March through May
36° Low 53° High
Summer
June through August
58° Low 75° High
Fall
September through November
42° Low 59° High
Cities Near Kennebunkport
Kennebunkport, Maine, is located in York County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
