Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Crawfordsville, IN

Airbnb listings are allowed in Crawfordsville, IN, but with restrictions. The City’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (Ord. 34-2016) requires annual registration of each parcel used as a rental unit and subjects rental units to inspection at least once every five years; the ordinance defines “rental unit” broadly (structure or part of a structure used as a home, residence, or sleeping unit). The ordinance does not specifically use the terms “short-term,” “vacation,” or “transient” rental, but rental units must obtain an inspection certificate and comply with building, fire, and safety codes; owners must verify homestead tax exemption status when registering. 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.

The City’s Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (Ord. 34-2016) requires annual registration of each parcel used as a rental unit and subjects rental units to inspection at least once every five years; the ordinance defines “rental unit” broadly (structure or part of a structure used as a home, residence, or sleeping unit). The ordinance does not specifically use the terms “short-term,” “vacation,” or “transient” rental, but rental units must obtain an inspection certificate and comply with building, fire, and safety codes; owners must verify homestead tax exemption status when registering.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Crawfordsville. 1) Obtain and submit the city’s Rental Registration form to the City Planning Director (forms available at the Planning & Building Services office or the city website) and pay the $5 annual registration fee per parcel (due by January 31 each year or within 30 days of acquiring the property). 2) City schedules or performs inspection (routine inspection at least once every five years); an Inspection Certificate is issued if the unit passes. 3) If violations are found, correct within specified cure periods and pay re-inspection fees ($100 stated); update registration within 30 days of material changes and renew annually.

1) Obtain and submit the city’s Rental Registration form to the City Planning Director (forms available at the Planning & Building Services office or the city website) and pay the $5 annual registration fee per parcel (due by January 31 each year or within 30 days of acquiring the property). 2) City schedules or performs inspection (routine inspection at least once every five years); an Inspection Certificate is issued if the unit passes. 3) If violations are found, correct within specified cure periods and pay re-inspection fees ($100 stated); update registration within 30 days of material changes and renew annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Crawfordsville, IN 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Crawfordsville 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Crawfordsville. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.