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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hot Springs, AR

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted by a cap of 700 permits in residential zones per calendar year and require a conditional-use permit in those areas. Operations require a local property manager reachable within 60 minutes, off-street parking, and maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Schedule and pass a safety inspection via the city's online form. 2. Apply for a Short-Term Residential Rental Business License (and a conditional-use permit if in a residential zone). 3. Pay the annual fee of $50 per bed and renew by January 1 each year.

Regulatory Updates — Hot Springs

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedOctober 2024

700-Permit Cap Utilization Report Published

Hot Springs published a report showing the current number of active residential zone STR conditional use permits against the 700-permit cap, finding the market at approximately 60% capacity with continued growth expected.

PassedJune 2024

Local Property Manager 60-Minute Response Requirement Clarified

Hot Springs clarified that the local property manager must be able to physically respond to the property within 60 minutes of a complaint, not merely be reachable by phone. Managers located outside the 60-minute radius were notified to arrange local coverage.

PassedFebruary 2024

CUP Process Streamlined for Residential Zone STRs

Hot Springs streamlined its conditional use permit process for residential zone STRs, reducing review timelines and adding online submission for supporting documentation.

Official Resources

Official Hot Springs STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Arkansas markets including Hot Springs.

Arkansas Realtors AssociationStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Hot Springs STR cap and CUP requirements and advocating for reasonable permit standards for Arkansas property owners.

Hot Springs Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Local destination marketing organization tracking STR accommodation supply and its role in supporting Hot Springs National Park and Oaklawn visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Hot Springs, AR?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Hot Springs, AR, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by a cap of 700 permits in residential zones per calendar year and require a conditional-use permit in those areas. Operations require a local property manager reachable within 60 minutes, off-street parking, and maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Hot Springs, AR?
STRs are restricted by a cap of 700 permits in residential zones per calendar year and require a conditional-use permit in those areas. Operations require a local property manager reachable within 60 minutes, off-street parking, and maximum occupancy of two people per bedroom plus two.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Hot Springs?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hot Springs. 1. Schedule and pass a safety inspection via the city's online form. 2. Apply for a Short-Term Residential Rental Business License (and a conditional-use permit if in a residential zone). 3. Pay the annual fee of $50 per bed and renew by January 1 each year.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Hot Springs?
1. Schedule and pass a safety inspection via the city's online form. 2. Apply for a Short-Term Residential Rental Business License (and a conditional-use permit if in a residential zone). 3. Pay the annual fee of $50 per bed and renew by January 1 each year.
Is Vrbo legal in Hot Springs, AR?
Vrbo is permitted in Hot Springs, AR under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Hot Springs?
Short-term rental hosts in Hot Springs are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Hot Springs?
The most recent tracked change in Hot Springs is "700-Permit Cap Utilization Report Published" (2024-10-01, status: passed). Hot Springs published a report showing the current number of active residential zone STR conditional use permits against the 700-permit cap, finding the market at approximately 60% capacity with continued growth expected. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Is there a permit cap for STRs in Hot Springs?
Yes. Hot Springs caps residential zone STR conditional use permits at 700 per calendar year. The market is currently at approximately 60% of capacity. As it approaches the cap, new CUP applications may face a waitlist. Monitor current permit counts before applying.
Do I need a conditional use permit for an STR in a Hot Springs residential zone?
Yes. STRs in residential zones require a CUP in addition to other operational requirements. The CUP process has been streamlined with online submission, but denial remains possible. Commercial zones may have different requirements — confirm your zone's rules before applying.
What does the local property manager requirement mean in Hot Springs?
Your designated local property manager must be able to physically travel to and respond at the property within 60 minutes of a complaint. A manager located more than 60 minutes away does not satisfy this requirement. Arrange a local contact before your permit application.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction