Kansas Airbnb Laws and Regulations – Updates for Hosts in the Sunflower State

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 Ahead of 2026 World Cup 

Lawrence, Kansas, regulates short‑term rentals (STRs) through the City Code of Lawrence via Ordinance No. 9740, introducing zoning-based restrictions on non-owner-occupied STRs and formalized licensing, inspection, and operational standards for all STR operators within city limits. In 2026, the City Commission adopted temporary amendments to expand lodging supply during the historic 2026 FIFA World Cup period, as it was announced that Lawrence’s Rock Chalk Park may serve as a training and recovery site for a national soccer team throughout the months-long tournament.  

• Definition of Short-Term Rental: A short‑term rental in Lawrence is any residential property rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days.  
• Licensing: All short-term rental operators in Lawrence must register for an account and obtain a annual Short-Term Rental License through the Enterprise Permitting & Licensing (EPL) Civic Access Portal. The license is required prior to operating any dwelling unit for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. License caps are limited to three per owner. 
• Registration: STR license applications must include the rental property address, owner or responsible agent contact information, and documentation demonstrating compliance with the City’s inspection requirements. Licenses must be renewed annually and are non-transferable. Under the City Code, a single owner or licensee may not hold more than three active short-term rental licenses at any one time. 
  • Registrant Types: Lawrence distinguishes between Owner-Occupied and Non-Owner-Occupied short-term rentals. Owner-occupied STRs are those where the property owner resides on the premises. Non-owner-occupied STRs are operated as full-unit rentals where the owner does not live at the property. 
• Zoning: Under current law, Non-Owner-Occupied short-term rentals are prohibited in RS (single-dwelling residential) and PD (planned development) zoning districts. An exception exists where the STR is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) or duplex located on an owner-occupied lot, and the unit is otherwise a lawful use of the property.  
• 2026 World Cup Temporary Laws in Lawrence: During the designated World Cup period only, Lawrence approved temporary changes to increase available short-term lodging: 
  • World Cup Temporary License Cap: The three-license maximum per owner is temporarily suspended. 
  • Zoning: Non-owner-occupied STRs may operate in zoning districts where they are normally prohibited, including RS districts. 
  • Licensing & Inspections: All STRs must still be properly licensed and meet inspection and safety requirements; these obligations are not waived. 
  • Duration: Temporary provisions take effect May 25, 2026, and expire July 31, 2026, after which standard STR rules automatically resume. 
• More Information: Official guidance, license applications, and inspection requirements are available through Lawrence’s how-to guide on applying for a rental property license. 

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

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.