Missouri Airbnb Laws – Everything You Need to Know About MO STR Regulations

Columbia, Missouri, Short-Term Rental Rules

STR Laws in Columbia, MO & Mizzou Airbnb Rules

In February 2024, the City of Columbia passed a short‑term rental ordinance that took effect on June 1, 2024. All rentals must fully comply by June 1, 2025. To operate a short‑term rental in Columbia, hosts need to follow the city’s permit application and property requirements: 

• Licensing: A business license and a rental certificate of compliance are required before operating any STR. If the property falls under specific zoning classifications, a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) may also be required.  Hosts near Mizzou can fill out a Columbia short-term rental application form to begin the STR licensing process. Hosts may not hold more than one STR license, meaning short-term rental owners can not operate multiple properties.  
• STR Tiers: Columbia categorizes short-term rentals into three tiers based on how the property is used: 
  – Tier I: Owner-occupied primary residence where the host is present during the stay (e.g., renting a spare bedroom). 
  – Tier II: Owner-occupied property where the host is not present during the guest’s stay (e.g., renting the entire home while away). 
  – Tier III: Non-owner-occupied investment property. Tier III units often require a Conditional Use Permit or CUP depending on zoning.  
• Usage Restrictions: Columbia vacation rental homes may not be used for special events, weddings, parties, or corporate functions.  
• Occupancy Limits: Occupancy is limited to 8 people, depending on the property’s bedroom space and available off-street parking. Only one accessory dwelling unit can operate as a STR. 
• Inspections: All STRs require a Certificate of Compliance, issued after passing a property inspection by Columbia’s Community Development Department. The inspection ensures the unit meets fire safety, zoning, and occupancy requirements. View more details on Columbia STR inspections on the City’s website.  
• Fees: A $130 nonrefundable fee is required when submitting your STR application. This includes the initial inspection. 
• Signage: Short-term rental hosts in Columbia must display a Certificate of Compliance, occupancy limits, an emergency evacuation map, contact details for the owner/registrant and emergency contacts.  
• Parking: Properties must provide one off-street parking space for every 2 occupants, without removing other parking options. If nearby on-street parking is limited, more on-site spaces may be required. 
• Point of Contact: A 24/7 local agent (in Boone County) must be available to address issues when the host is absent. 
• Taxes: All short‑term rental hosts are responsible for collecting both the 5 % City Lodging Tax and the 4.225 % State Lodging/Sales Tax. Tax remittance is due monthly by the 20th via the City’s Citizen Self‑Service portal, and applies to all platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, direct bookings). 
• More Information: For more information, review Columbia’s STR Tier Reference Guide or contact the city at Planning@CoMo.gov or 573‑874‑7246. 

Jefferson City, Missouri, Airbnb Rules

Airbnb Laws in Missouri’s Capitol City

In 2019 lawmakers in Jefferson City, 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: 

• Licensing: A short-term rental license is required to operate.
• Usage Restrictions: The property shall not be rented or used for receptions, parties, weddings, or similar activities.
• Occupancy Limits: No more than 5 unrelated persons or any number of persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption are permitted. 
• Parking: Two on-site parking spots are required where on-street parking is permitted. 3 on-site parking spots if there is no street parking available 
• Signage: 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. 

Kansas City, Missouri, Airbnb Regulations

Updated Short-Term Rental Laws in K.C. for 2026 World Cup 

Kansas City, Missouri, regulates short-term rentals (STRs) primarily through Chapter 56, Article VIII of the City Code and related zoning changes adopted under Ord. 230268. These rules moved STR oversight to the Neighborhood Services Department and created an annual registration system plus a separate “special event” option tied to large events like the 2026 World Cup.   

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. Kansas City defines short-term rentals as rentals for a period of fewer than 30 days. Read more about Kansas City’s short-term rental application process on their website.

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: 

• Definition of Short-Term Rental: A short-term rental in Kansas City is defined as a dwelling unit offered to guests for less than 30 consecutive days, and every STR must be registered either as an annual STR or as a special event STR (explained below) to operate legally in the city. 
• STRs Types & Primary Residence Rules: A resident short-term rental is one where the registrant is a “long-term resident” of the property: the home must be their primary residence, and they must occupy it at least 270 days per year, with only one primary residence allowed per person. Vacation rentals not classified as a resident short-term rental are treated as non-resident short-term rentals. 
• Licensing & Registration: Registrants must complete annual STR registration through the CompassKC portal or submit Form RD-100. There is a yearly registration fee of $200, with authority for the Director to adjust the fee based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. The application must include the exact STR address, registrant identification (including ID and contact details), owner information, proof of ownership or possession (such as a deed or lease plus owner consent for rental arbitrage), and a tax clearance letter issued by the City’s Revenue Division. 
• Zoning: Resident (primary-residence) STRs are allowed in more traditional residential districts, while new non-resident STRs are generally limited to commercial and mixed-use zones and must respect spacing and density rules adopted in 2023. In multi-family buildings with three or more dwelling units, only 12.5% of units may be used as STRs, and in some low-density areas, non-resident STRs are effectively restricted to prevent clustering. Previously approved “Type 2” STRs under the old zoning ordinance may continue operating as long as their approvals do not lapse. 
• Taxes: Effective August 2023, Kansas City applies a 7.5% Transient Boarding and Accommodation tax to short-term rentals and charges a $3 per night occupancy/lodging fee per rented room or unit, similar to hotel taxes. STR operators must file and pay both using Form RD-306 through the City’s QuickTax system. The City’s STR Tax FAQ and Tax Guide for Short-Term Rentals explain that these taxes are due even when booking platforms collect some taxes on your behalf, and a current tax clearance letter is required to obtain or renew STR registration. 
• Occupancy Limits: Occupancy for K.C. Airbnbs is limited to two people per bedroom, plus one additional person for the dwelling, with a maximum of eight guests total per unit. 
• Enforcement & Penalties: Violations can lead to deregistration, removal from the city’s STR list, enforcement actions, and fines of $200 to $1,000 per violation, with each day of unlawful operation treated as a separate offense. 
• More Information: Hosts can review the K.C.’s official Short-Term Rental program page for an overview of rules and links to registration resources. Detailed registration requirements and zoning guidance are available through the BizCare STR guide.  
• Special Event STR Registration for the World Cup and Other Major Events:  
  In addition to normal annual registration, Kansas City now offers a special event STR registration for periods when the city expects a major surge in visitors, such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under Ordinance 250965 which passed in November 2025, the Neighborhood Services Director can designate a special event period of up to 90 days when existing hotels and registered STRs are not likely to meet demand. During that window, hosts can apply for special event STR registration through CompassKC, with a $50 special event fee instead of the $200 annual fee. Special event STRs must still qualify as either resident or non-resident STRs and must meet all safety, zoning, density, and tax requirements that apply under the regular ordinance. 

Lake Ozark, Missouri, STR Regulations

New Pending Airbnb Laws

The City of 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 Short-Term Rental Laws

STR Regulations & Airbnb Laws in STL

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.

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.  
• More Information: To learn more about local regulations visit the STLOUIS-MO Government website. 

St. Charles, MO, Airbnb Laws 

Rental Moratorium Enacted Until June 2025 

St. Charles, MO, has introduced a moratorium on new short-term rentals in residential zones, set to last until mid-2025, per Ordinance 24-085. Additional regulations include annual permit and inspection requirements, strict noise and parking policies, and a buffer zone between properties. Meanwhile, rentals in commercial zones face fewer restrictions but must remain within designated areas, ensuring a balance between supporting hosts and preserving neighborhood integrity. 

• Moratorium: A moratorium on new short-term rentals in residential zones is in effect from June 15, 2024, to June 15, 2025. This does not affect commercially zoned properties in the Extended Historic Preservation District. 

• Permit Requirements: All short-term rentals must have an approved permit, renewed with an annual safety inspection. 

• Licensing Cap: The number of short-term rentals in residential zones is capped at 0.5% of the city’s total housing units, based on the latest decennial census. 

• Zoning: Rentals must be 500 feet apart in residential zones. 

• Occupancy: Rentals are limited to the primary structure.  

• Parking: One off-street parking space is required per bedroom. 

• Noise: No amplified sound is allowed outside between 10:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m., and a noise monitoring device is mandatory. Learn more about smart devices for your Airbnb. 

• Commercial Zones: Rentals in commercial zones do not require a Conditional Use Permit but must be located within the Extended Historic Preservation District.  

• Interactive Map: An online map of St. Charles STRs tracks approved and pending rentals, helps verify compliance, and allows reporting of illegal operations.