Airbnb Laws and Regulations in Missouri – Everything You Need to Know

Jefferson, Missouri

Everything You Need About Airbnb Laws 

In 2019 lawmakers in Jefferson, Missouri relaxed Airbnb Laws to better accommodate the growing industry. Previously, hosts in the city found they were missing out on the nearby areas, particularly Columbia. In order to operate, short-term rental owners need to be aware of the requirements for the city permit application and the requirements of the property in question. These include: 

• A short-term rental license is required to operate 
• Short-term rental of a residence: No more than 5 unrelated persons or any number of persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption are permitted. 
• For provided parking, 2 on-site parking spots are required where on-street parking is permitted. 3 on-site parking spots if there is no street parking available 
• One sign, of a maximum size of one square foot, attached to the exterior of the short-term rental is permitted. This sign cannot be lighted or accompanied by any other displays. 
• The property shall not be rented or used for receptions, parties, weddings, or similar activities.

Kansas City, Missouri

Enacts Airbnb Laws Requiring Liability Insurance 

Kansas City has enacted a new Airbnb Law that requires owners to carry a liability insurance policy of at least $300,000. Hosts in Kansas City must provide proof of liability insurance to the city planning and development director when applying for a permit.  

The City spent several years studying how to balance the rights of property owners and neighbors alike, to rent their properties, and preserve the character of their neighborhood. The City defines short-term rentals as rentals for a period of fewer than 30 days.  

In addition to this insurance requirement, hosts are required to apply for and receive a permit from the city in order to operate. One key part of this application is the Neighborhood Notice form, which must be sent to all abutting and nearby neighbors that may be affected by the operation of a short-term rental. A least 55% of neighbors must support the operation.  

Other regulations and application requirements include: 

• Owner’s affidavit 
• Airbnb or Vrbo links to the property where it is advertised 
• City inspection of the property 
• Payment of all taxes on property 
• A Map posted inside the short-term rental detailing at least two escape paths for guests 
• Evidence of a liability insurance policy of at least $300,000 

While the City Requires $300,000 in liability insurance, this can often be insufficient to protect short-term rental owners. The primary reason for an insurance requirement is to ensure that short-term rental owners are properly protected from injuries or property damage and that’s why it’s crucial that your policy is tailored to short-term rentals. Unfortunately, most short-term rental owners carry $300,000-$500,000 in liability coverage, which is not enough.  At Proper Insurance, we provide our clients with $1,000,000 in commercial general liability per occurrence with a $2,000,000 per occurrence option.  Not only would our policy meet the new insurance requirement, but it would also correctly cover you and your rental business if something were to happen. 

Lake Ozark, Missouri 

New Pending Airbnb Laws

Lake Ozark is considering  new Airbnb laws for hosts, which may include a registration process. The primary goal of the registration process would be to establish ground rules for hosts to protect them and surrounding neighbors and would also help differentiate unauthorized rentals – those located in zoning districts prohibiting short-term rentals.  

“Rental properties are allowed in established Multi-Family Districts (R-3), Commercial Districts (C-2), and Lake Front Mixed-Use Districts. They are not allowed in Single-Family Residential Districts (R-1 and R-2), which is where most family and private residences are located.” 

The city is still deciding whether to run the registration in-house or work with a third-party company that would collect license and permit fees. As the most recent updates were from the beginning of October, it may take time to finalize definite short-term rental laws.  

St. Louis, Missouri

Implements New Laws and Regulations

As of November 6th, 2024, St. Louis, Missouri has implemented new regulations and new applications for short-term rentals in an effort to promote public safety, maintain community peace and protect neighborhoods. “Short-term rentals are welcome in the City of St. Louis, but the lack of regulation has created serious safety concerns within our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. To learn more about local regulations visit the STLOUIS-MO Government website. 

The following regulations are in place: 

• Length of Stay: Minimum stay is two nights   
• Neighborhood Peace: Must use best efforts to ensure peace and quiet in neighborhoods. 
• Occupancy: Ensure that the amount of people allowed to stay at a short-term rental do not exceed the occupancy limit.  
• Taxes: Must be in good standing with the local government. 
• House Rules: House rules must be posted inside of the Airbnb. 
• Point of Contact: Must have someone available 24/7 who can address concerns.  
• And more