Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Laurel, MS

Airbnb listings are allowed in Laurel, MS, but with restrictions. STRs are limited to 30 consecutive days and are permitted in R-1 through R-4 and C-1 through C-4 zones; R-1 zones are limited to one unit per structure. Accessory buildings are ineligible. Operators must provide proof of a privilege license and state tax registration, and a local contact person must be available to respond within 24 hours. 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.

STRs are limited to 30 consecutive days and are permitted in R-1 through R-4 and C-1 through C-4 zones; R-1 zones are limited to one unit per structure. Accessory buildings are ineligible. Operators must provide proof of a privilege license and state tax registration, and a local contact person must be available to respond within 24 hours.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Laurel. 1) Submit a completed STR Special Use Permit application to the Inspection Department with a $350 non-refundable fee and required documents (privilege license, tax registration, etc.). 2) Undergo a property inspection and a Planning Commission public hearing where adjacent owners are notified. 3) Upon approval, receive the permit, which must be renewed annually at least 30 days before expiration.

1) Submit a completed STR Special Use Permit application to the Inspection Department with a $350 non-refundable fee and required documents (privilege license, tax registration, etc.). 2) Undergo a property inspection and a Planning Commission public hearing where adjacent owners are notified. 3) Upon approval, receive the permit, which must be renewed annually at least 30 days before expiration.

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