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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Lafayette, IN

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals are categorized as transient guest rooms, rentals, or houses with specific zoning permissions; for instance, transient guest houses are permitted by right in R3, R4, MRU, CB, and CBW zones but restricted or prohibited in single-family zones like R1. Properties must maintain a residential appearance with no exterior signage, and 'transient guest rentals' are limited to 60 days per calendar year when the owner is not present.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Complete the Transient Rental Registration Permit application, specifying the rental type (guest room, rental, or house) and providing property/tax ID information. 2. Submit the application to the Administrative Officer along with the $100 application fee. 3. Await approval and issuance of the permit number by the Administrative Officer.

Official Resources

Official Lafayette STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Lafayette, IN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Lafayette, IN, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are categorized as transient guest rooms, rentals, or houses with specific zoning permissions; for instance, transient guest houses are permitted by right in R3, R4, MRU, CB, and CBW zones but restricted or prohibited in single-family zones like R1. Properties must maintain a residential appearance with no exterior signage, and 'transient guest rentals' are limited to 60 days per calendar year when the owner is not present. 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 Lafayette, IN?
Short-term rentals are categorized as transient guest rooms, rentals, or houses with specific zoning permissions; for instance, transient guest houses are permitted by right in R3, R4, MRU, CB, and CBW zones but restricted or prohibited in single-family zones like R1. Properties must maintain a residential appearance with no exterior signage, and 'transient guest rentals' are limited to 60 days per calendar year when the owner is not present.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Lafayette?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Lafayette. 1. Complete the Transient Rental Registration Permit application, specifying the rental type (guest room, rental, or house) and providing property/tax ID information. 2. Submit the application to the Administrative Officer along with the $100 application fee. 3. Await approval and issuance of the permit number by the Administrative Officer.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Lafayette?
1. Complete the Transient Rental Registration Permit application, specifying the rental type (guest room, rental, or house) and providing property/tax ID information. 2. Submit the application to the Administrative Officer along with the $100 application fee. 3. Await approval and issuance of the permit number by the Administrative Officer.
Is Vrbo legal in Lafayette, IN?
Vrbo is permitted in Lafayette, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Lafayette?
Short-term rental hosts in Lafayette 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 Lafayette?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Lafayette. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.
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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