Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Owensboro, KY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Owensboro, KY, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are defined as rentals of residential units for less than 30 days. Operators must obtain an Occupational Business License (City and Daviess County) and provide an emergency contact; registration may be revoked after two substantiated civil or criminal complaints. 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.

Short-term rentals are defined as rentals of residential units for less than 30 days. Operators must obtain an Occupational Business License (City and Daviess County) and provide an emergency contact; registration may be revoked after two substantiated civil or criminal complaints.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Owensboro. 1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration form including host info and emergency contact. 2. Attach proof of a City and County Occupational Business License. 3. Submit the form to the Finance Department and file monthly transient room tax returns; registration must be renewed annually.

1. Complete the Short-Term Rental Registration form including host info and emergency contact. 2. Attach proof of a City and County Occupational Business License. 3. Submit the form to the Finance Department and file monthly transient room tax returns; registration must be renewed annually.

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