Louisville Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Louisville, Kentucky?

Short-term rental properties like Airbnb and VRBO have become increasingly popular in Louisville, but they have also raised concerns among residents about noise, safety, and property values5. Here is what you need to know about short-term rental regulations in Louisville:

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Louisville

Short-term rentals are allowed in Louisville, but owners or landlords of residential rental units within the city must obtain a permit for each short-term rental property15.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Louisville

To operate a short-term rental in Louisville, you must obtain a permit from your local government15. The fees and the process for obtaining a permit are local government-specific, but Kentucky law limits fees to no more than $1001. Permits expire after one year, but renewal does not cost anything as long as the permit was not previously revoked for cause5.

Required Documents for Louisville Short Term Rentals

Owners or landlords of residential rental units within the City of Louisville must obtain a permit for each short-term rental property15. Required documents may include:

• Proof of insurance15
• Proof of payment of transient room tax15
• Proof of compliance with all applicable zoning and building codes15

Louisville Short Term Rental Taxes

Owners of short-term rental properties in Louisville are required to pay property, innkeeper, and gross income taxes15.

Kentucky wide Short Term Rental Rules

Kentucky law limits the regulations local governments may place on short-term rentals. At a minimum, laws relevant to your short-term rental will include zoning, building and housing standards, rental permits, and tax (property, inn’s keeper, and gross income taxes) 1.

Does Louisville strictly enforce STR rules? Is Louisville Airbnb friendly? Do hosts operate in Louisville despite the rules?

According to some sources, Louisville is strict when it comes to enforcing short-term rental rules5. The city has implemented regulations for short-term rentals to ensure that housing affordability isn’t adversely affected by short-term rentals5. Some hosts operate in Louisville despite the rules, but this is not recommended as it can result in fines and other penalties5.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Louisville

To start a short-term rental business in Louisville, you must obtain a permit for each short-term rental property from your local government15. You should also familiarize yourself with local regulations and tax requirements5.

Who to contact in Louisville about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

For more information about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Louisville, you can contact the Louisville Planning and Design Department15.

What do Airbnb hosts in Louisville on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

There is limited information available on what Airbnb hosts in Louisville on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations. However, some hosts in other cities have expressed frustration with the regulations, particularly the requirement to obtain a permit and pay taxes1. Others have emphasized the importance of complying with local laws and regulations to avoid fines and other penalties.

Disclaimer: While we here at BNBCalc strive to keep all of our city regulation guides updated and accurate with all the latest local laws, we still do not suggest using them as your sole or primary source for local regulations. We also do not recommend you rely on the third-party sources we link to or reference, and we are not responsible for any of the information on these third-party sites. These guides are for entertainment purposes only and only provide basic information and should not be considered as legal advice.

We highly recommend directly contacting the responsible parties for each city and hearing what their officials have to say. Ultimately, it's your responsibility as an investor to ensure you fully comply with the local laws, and it's best to speak with professionals before making an investment decision.