Airbnb host licensing in Kansas City

Operating a short-term rental (STR) in Kansas City requires understanding and adhering to city regulations aimed at balancing tourism and neighborhood stability. This guide covers the essential steps for obtaining an Airbnb host license in Kansas City.

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Types of Short-Term Rental Licenses in Kansas City

1. Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rental License

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• For properties where the owner resides on-site.

• Allows the rental of individual rooms while the owner is present.

• No annual limit on the number of rental days.

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2. Non-Owner-Occupied Short-Term Rental License

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• For entire properties where the owner does not reside on-site.

• Subject to stricter zoning and operational requirements.

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Key Requirements for STR Licensing in Kansas City

1. Zoning Compliance

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• Verify that your property is in a zone that permits STRs using the Kansas City Zoning Map.

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2. Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement

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• Owners must provide proof of ownership.

• Tenants must obtain a notarized letter from the property owner granting permission to operate an STR.

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3. Business License Registration

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• Apply for a Kansas City Business License through the city’s online portal.

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4. Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Registration

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• Register to collect and remit the Hotel Occupancy Tax (7.5%) for stays under 30 days.

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5. Safety and Health Compliance

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• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Provide fire extinguishers and adhere to local safety regulations.

• Maintain the property in compliance with health and building codes.

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6. Neighbor Notification

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• Notify adjacent property owners of your intent to operate a short-term rental.

• Provide your contact details for any concerns.

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Application Process for an Airbnb License in Kansas City

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Apply for a Business License

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• Confirm zoning compliance and apply for a Kansas City Business License via the Kansas City Business Portal.

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Step 2: Register for Hotel/Motel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

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• Register to collect and remit the HOT tax to the city.

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Step 3: Submit Required Documentation

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• Proof of ownership or lease.

• Neighbor notification confirmation.

• Safety compliance documentation.

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Step 4: Pay Licensing Fees

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• Owner-Occupied License: $100 annually

• Non-Owner-Occupied License: $250 annually

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Step 5: Display Permit Number

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• Display your license number on all booking platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

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Non-compliance with Kansas City's STR regulations can lead to:

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• Fines: Starting at $500 per violation.

• License Revocation: For repeated violations.

• Legal Action: Potential legal proceedings for ongoing non-compliance.

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How Lodge Compliance Can Help

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Lodge Compliance simplifies the Airbnb licensing process in Kansas City by offering:

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• Permit Application Assistance: Step-by-step guidance through the application process.

• Compliance Monitoring: Stay informed of local regulation changes.

• Operational Support: Implement safety and health standards for full compliance.

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Ready to operate your Airbnb legally in Kansas City? Request a Demo to learn how Lodge Compliance can help you secure your license and stay compliant.

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Operate Legally and Maximize Your Earnings

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Kansas City's short-term rental market offers significant income potential. By following the city’s regulations and maintaining high operational standards, you can build a successful and legally compliant Airbnb business.