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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in St. Louis, MO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals require a 2-night minimum stay, a 24/7 local agent, and no exterior signage except a city-issued 1x1 marker. Units must meet safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), cannot serve food (except prepackaged), and are ineligible if receiving TIF or tax abatement. Occupancy is capped based on structure type, and non-occupied owners are limited to four permits citywide.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an application via the City's online permit portal (stlcitypermits.com). 2. Obtain a required occupancy permit, which involves passing a safety inspection. 3. For non-occupied units, obtain a business license and ensure all city taxes/obligations are paid.

Regulatory Updates — St. Louis

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2024

2-Night Minimum Stay Enforcement Increased

St. Louis increased monitoring of STR listings for compliance with the 2-night minimum stay requirement, issuing notices to operators offering single-night bookings in violation of the city code.

PassedApril 2024

Local Agent Response Time Standard Clarified

St. Louis clarified that the 24/7 local agent must be able to respond to the property within 90 minutes of a complaint or emergency, not merely be reachable by phone.

PassedJanuary 2024

Exterior Signage Prohibition Enforced

The City issued citations to STR operators displaying unauthorized exterior signage — including banners, yard signs, and window signs identifying the property as a vacation rental — beyond the permitted 1x1 city-issued marker.

Official Resources

Official St. Louis STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in St. Louis and Missouri STR markets.

Missouri RealtorsStatewide

Statewide real estate association monitoring St. Louis STR regulations and advocating for reasonable permit and operational standards for Missouri property owners.

Explore St. LouisLocal

St. Louis's destination marketing organization tracking STR accommodation supply and its role in supporting visitor capacity for conventions, sports events, and cultural tourism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in St. Louis, MO?
Short-term rentals require a 2-night minimum stay, a 24/7 local agent, and no exterior signage except a city-issued 1x1 marker. Units must meet safety standards (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers), cannot serve food (except prepackaged), and are ineligible if receiving TIF or tax abatement. Occupancy is capped based on structure type, and non-occupied owners are limited to four permits citywide.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in St. Louis?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in St. Louis. 1. Submit an application via the City's online permit portal (stlcitypermits.com). 2. Obtain a required occupancy permit, which involves passing a safety inspection. 3. For non-occupied units, obtain a business license and ensure all city taxes/obligations are paid.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in St. Louis?
1. Submit an application via the City's online permit portal (stlcitypermits.com). 2. Obtain a required occupancy permit, which involves passing a safety inspection. 3. For non-occupied units, obtain a business license and ensure all city taxes/obligations are paid.
Can I offer single-night stays at my St. Louis STR?
No. St. Louis requires a 2-night minimum stay for all STRs. Single-night bookings are prohibited and the city monitors listing platforms for compliance. Adjust your listing settings to enforce the minimum before accepting reservations.
What are the local agent requirements in St. Louis?
Your 24/7 local agent must be able to respond to the property within 90 minutes of a complaint or emergency — not just be reachable by phone. Out-of-town owners operating without a reliable local agent risk permit violations if complaints go unaddressed.
Can I put a sign on my St. Louis rental to attract guests?
No exterior signage is permitted beyond the small 1x1 city-issued marker. Banners, yard signs, window signs, or any other exterior advertising identifying the property as a vacation rental are prohibited and subject to citation.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction