Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kiawah Island, SC

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kiawah Island, SC, but with restrictions. STRs are restricted by zoning-based caps in R1, R2, and R3 districts. Operators must provide a 24-hour local contact within the Charleston Metro Area capable of responding within two hours, post island rules in units, and maintain active tax accounts with the SC Department of Revenue and Charleston County. 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 restricted by zoning-based caps in R1, R2, and R3 districts. Operators must provide a 24-hour local contact within the Charleston Metro Area capable of responding within two hours, post island rules in units, and maintain active tax accounts with the SC Department of Revenue and Charleston County.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kiawah Island. 1) Apply for a short-term rental business license through the Town Business License Department. 2) Pay the annual application fee ($500 for R1/R2 zones subject to caps; $200 for others) plus gross receipts fees. 3) Pass a property inspection for building code conformance. Licenses must be renewed annually.

1) Apply for a short-term rental business license through the Town Business License Department. 2) Pay the annual application fee ($500 for R1/R2 zones subject to caps; $200 for others) plus gross receipts fees. 3) Pass a property inspection for building code conformance. Licenses must be renewed annually.

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