Kansas Airbnb Laws and Regulations – Updates for Hosts in the Sunflower State
As with various other states, Kansas is beginning to understand the importance of regulating short-term rentals. By updating current Airbnb laws and regulations, it strengthens protection for both hosts and rental guests. Lawrence Kansas has recently updated the short-term rental regulations and changed the legislation for owner-occupied rentals. Going forward, hosts should continue to look for short-term rental updates within local municipalities.
If you have questions about short-term rentals in Kansas, contact Proper Insurance. Our agents are experts in the vacation rental industry. Call 888-631-6680 today.
Kansas City, Kansas, Airbnb Laws
Updated Short-Term Rental Laws in K.C.
In June 2023, Kansas City, MO, adopted Ordinances 230267 & 230268, shifting STR oversight to the Neighborhood Services Department to improve compliance, enforcement, and community engagement. Changes include mandatory complaint recordkeeping, zoning updates, and more listed below.
- Licensing: Hosts will need a business license to rent to a guest for more than 30 consecutive days. (also referred to as a mid-term rental) All short-term rental owners and operators must register with Kansas City’s Neighborhood Services Department.
- Registration: STRs previously registered under Chapter 88 must re-register annually under Chapter 56 upon the expiration of their old registration. Documents required during registration include valid identification, tax clearance documentation, proof of ownership or written consent if you’re performing rental arbitrage, and a certificate of compliance with K.C. ordinances. Find more information on how to register your Kansas City short-term rental on CompassKC.
- Registrant Types: Registrant types include Resident Operators, who must provide ID, proof of ownership (or consent), tax clearance, and certify compliance; and Non-Resident Operators, who must provide the same documentation as well as a business license and may only operate in non-residential zones.
- Zoning: STRs must comply with current zoning requirements. Resident-occupied STRs are allowed in most zoning districts, but non-resident STRs are prohibited in single-family residential zones unless grandfathered in under previous regulations. STRs in multi-family dwellings are subject to a density limit of 12.5% per building, and only one STR is allowed per parcel with a single principal dwelling.
- Recordkeeping: Hosts must maintain records of guest transactions and any complaints received.
- Taxes: Effective August 2023, K.C. hosts are required to remit taxes/fees using Form RD-306, filed quarterly. This includes the 7.5% Transient Boarding and Accommodation tax and the $3/night occupancy fee. Tax forms must be filed online to prevent errors.
- Compliance: A booking platform may remove your STR listing from their platform if you are unregistered or deregistered.
- Enforcement: Non-resident STRs found violating City code will face a one-year deregistration penalty. Properties with three or more convictions (city, state, or federal law) or those deemed hazardous to public health and safety may be deregistered for three years. STRs operating without a valid license are subject to ordinance violations ranging from $200 to $1,000. Each day of operation without a license may result in separate violations.
- More Information: Find answers to FAQs for short-term rental owners in K.C., and more information on STRs on Kansas City’s website.
Lawrence, Kansas STR Regulations
Adjusts Airbnb Laws and Regulations for Non-Owner-Occupied Rentals
Lawrence currently requires hosts to secure an annual license and undergo inspections in order to operate a short-term rental within the city. An ever-adjusting topic in most cities across the nation, Lawrence is no exception, revisiting the governing ordinance in October 2020 and adjusting current Airbnb laws and regulations. The biggest change within the regulations, however, was a change in non-owner-occupied rentals. The update from the ordinance states:
- “The amendments within Ordinance No. 9740 now prohibit Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Residential Rental Property located within RS and PD districts. Non-Owner Occupied Short-Term Residential Rental Property is permitted within all other zoning districts within the City. In addition, an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Duplex located on a Lot in an RS district or PD district may be used as a short-term rental property if and only if 1) the Lot is owner-occupied, and 2) the accessory dwelling unit or duplex is a lawful use of the property.”
An owner-occupied short-term rental is now defined as, “A dwelling unit in which the owner resides more than 270 days per calendar year (the previous definition was more than 182 days per calendar year).” Additional changes to the ordinance include:
- Eliminated the requirement and ability to obtain a Special Use Permit for Non-Owner-Occupied short-term rentals.
- Any licensee, owner, or person is limited to a maximum of three short-term rentals at any one time.
- The short-term rental license shall be displayed on all listing platforms for which the short-term rental property is advertised for rent.
- All short-term rentals shall be inspected by the Code Official at the time of licensing and, thereafter, biennially.
Wichita, Kansas, Airbnb Rules
Requires a License and Has New Zoning Regulations
The city of Wichita has implemented new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs). These regulations aim to balance the growth of this industry with concerns about neighborhood livability and safety. To stay current on regulations, visit the city of Wichita’s website.
The following regulations are in place:
- Licensing: All short-term rentals require an annual license.
- Zoning: The city’s website breaks down the different zoning options into three categories: onsite owner, without onsite owner & stays shorter than 28 days, and without onsite owner or manager & at least 28 days. Each option has different zoning laws. Visit their website to learn more.
- Inspection: STRs are subject to inspections if a complaint is made. The property must be up to city codes including fire, building, and zoning. The STR license may be revoked until the property has passed all inspections.
- Minimum stay: One-night minimum allowed.
Quote Your Short-Term Vacation Rental Today
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Please note: The information provided is intended as a guide and may not be comprehensive or current. Regulations may change and could vary by area or situation. Always consult local authorities or a legal professional to ensure you have the most accurate information for your short-term rental property. If you have any additional information or updates relating to our posts, let us know at info@proper.insure.
