Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Madison County, KY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Madison County, KY, but with restrictions. In the City of Richmond, STRs are subject to registration and enforcement of municipal fines and liens. Under Kentucky state law (SB112), local governments are prohibited from requiring conditional use permits, imposing residency requirements, or restricting STRs in residential zones, though they may require a permit for each property. 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.

In the City of Richmond, STRs are subject to registration and enforcement of municipal fines and liens. Under Kentucky state law (SB112), local governments are prohibited from requiring conditional use permits, imposing residency requirements, or restricting STRs in residential zones, though they may require a permit for each property.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Madison County. 1. Submit a registration application to the City of Richmond Director. 2. Ensure all outstanding municipal fines and liens are cleared. 3. Provide required property information including owner contact details and occupancy limits as prescribed by state law.

1. Submit a registration application to the City of Richmond Director. 2. Ensure all outstanding municipal fines and liens are cleared. 3. Provide required property information including owner contact details and occupancy limits as prescribed by state law.

Vrbo is permitted in Madison County, KY 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 Madison County 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 Madison County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.