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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Rankin County, MS

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted to a 10% cap per platted subdivision and must be at least 500 feet apart. Requirements include mandatory on-site parking, occupancy limits of 2 persons per bedroom plus two, a 60-minute local responder rule, and a prohibition on parties or gatherings.

How to Obtain a Permit

Submit an application for an STR permit and business license to the Department of Community Development including a detailed floor plan and local representative contact info. Pay the $1,000 initial fee and pass a life-safety and building code inspection prior to permit issuance.

Official Resources

Official Rankin County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Rankin County, MS?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Rankin County, MS, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted to a 10% cap per platted subdivision and must be at least 500 feet apart. Requirements include mandatory on-site parking, occupancy limits of 2 persons per bedroom plus two, a 60-minute local responder rule, and a prohibition on parties or gatherings. 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 Rankin County, MS?
STRs are restricted to a 10% cap per platted subdivision and must be at least 500 feet apart. Requirements include mandatory on-site parking, occupancy limits of 2 persons per bedroom plus two, a 60-minute local responder rule, and a prohibition on parties or gatherings.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Rankin County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Rankin County. Submit an application for an STR permit and business license to the Department of Community Development including a detailed floor plan and local representative contact info. Pay the $1,000 initial fee and pass a life-safety and building code inspection prior to permit issuance.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Rankin County?
Submit an application for an STR permit and business license to the Department of Community Development including a detailed floor plan and local representative contact info. Pay the $1,000 initial fee and pass a life-safety and building code inspection prior to permit issuance.
Is Vrbo legal in Rankin County, MS?
Vrbo is permitted in Rankin County, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Rankin County?
Short-term rental hosts in Rankin 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Rankin County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Rankin County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

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