Kansas City, Missouri Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

Short-term rentals are regulated in Kansas City, MO. Short Term rentals are applicable to properties zoned AG-R, R, B, D, UR, MPD, and M1 that are rented for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. A short-term rental might be owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied.

A short-term rental owner-occupied is a principal residential dwelling unit occupied by the resident (who may be either the owner or the tenant/lessee of the owner authorized by the owner to offer the unit for short-term rental) for a cumulative minimum of 270 days per calendar year. During the 95 days, if the resident is not present, the property or unit may continue to be used as a short-term rental.

A short-term non-owner occupied unit is not used as a principal residential unit by the host.

While not present, the resident may not enter into a contract with more than one party during any given period. While present, the resident may enter into a contract with two parties, provided there shall be at least one bedroom in the dwelling for the resident.

No more than 2 persons per bedroom being rented plus one additional person per dwelling unit, not to exceed 8 guests per dwelling unit, may occupy the dwelling unit.

Consult with the Kansas City Short-Term Rental Ordinance for detailed regulations.

Business License Requirements

A short-term rental license is divided into Type 1 Administrative Approval (Short Term Rental Owner Occupied), Type 2 Seasonal Administrative Approval, and Type 2 Year Round Administrative Approval (Short Term Rental Non-Owner Occupied). 

All applications (registration, administrative approvals, and special use permits) must be submitted using the City's online Compass KC system.

Type 1 Administrative Approval - An application must be submitted by the resident host of an owner-occupied short-term rental. Suppose the host is not the owner of the short-term rental unit. In that case, the application must include a notarized affidavit from the owner authorizing the host to utilize the unit for short-term rentals.

1. Neighborhood Notice Type 1
2. Owner Consent Affidavit
3. Short Term Rental Mailed Notice Affidavit
4. Registration Request and Renewal Form

 Application for non-owner-occupied short-term rental shall be for either a "seasonal" permit (for properties rented 95 days or less per year) or a "year around" permit (for properties rented more than 95 days per year).

Type 2 Seasonal Administrative Approval - Submit the following: 

1. Neighborhood Notice Type 2 Seasonal One and Two-Family  (i.e., single-family and duplex)
   
   --OR-- Neighborhood Notice Type 2 Seasonal Multi-family (all other types of residential buildings)
2. Owner Consent Affidavit
3. Short Term Rental Mailed Notice Affidavit 
4. Registration Request and Renewal Form

Type 2 Year Round Administrative Approval - Submit the following: 

1. Neighborhood Notice Type 2 Year-Round One and Two-Family (i.e., single-family and duplex
   
   --OR-- Neighborhood Notice Type 2 Year Round Multi-family (all other types of residential buildings)
2.  Owner Consent Affidavit
3. Short Term Rental Mailed Notice Affidavit 
4. Adjacent Owner Consent Form and Affidavit
5. Registration Request and Renewal Form 

Every short-term rental application, whether for administrative approval or registration, must be supported by proof of current liability insurance coverage of at least $300,000.

Please contact Development Management staff to discuss your application if a Special Use Permit is required. Visit the Short Term Rental page for more information.

Building and Housing Standards

Kansas City 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. Visit Kansas City Building Regulations for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

Comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to collection and certification of payment of taxes and procurement of any required licenses and permits.

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 City of Kansas City for more information.