Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kennebunk, ME

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kennebunk, ME, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as units rented for fewer than 15 consecutive days. Operators must obtain a separate registration for each unit, pass an annual fire safety inspection, display the registration number within the unit and in all advertising, and provide guests with a copy of the Town's Good Neighbor Policy. 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 (STRs) are defined as units rented for fewer than 15 consecutive days. Operators must obtain a separate registration for each unit, pass an annual fire safety inspection, display the registration number within the unit and in all advertising, and provide guests with a copy of the Town's Good Neighbor Policy.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kennebunk. 1) Submit a completed Short-Term Rental Registration Form to the Town Clerk’s Office with the required fee ($250 for new, $150 for renewal). 2) Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection with Kennebunk Fire Rescue. 3) Once compliance is confirmed, the Town Clerk issues a registration number which must be displayed in the unit and used in all advertising; registrations must be renewed annually by January 1.

1) Submit a completed Short-Term Rental Registration Form to the Town Clerk’s Office with the required fee ($250 for new, $150 for renewal). 2) Schedule and pass a fire safety inspection with Kennebunk Fire Rescue. 3) Once compliance is confirmed, the Town Clerk issues a registration number which must be displayed in the unit and used in all advertising; registrations must be renewed annually by January 1.

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