Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Lexington, KY (2026)

Whether Lexington, KY permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department at (859) 258-3160 to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Whether short-term rental registration is required in Lexington has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Lexington beyond standard property codes.

• •STR registration required for all rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days
• •Registration number must be displayed inside unit and on all booking platform listings
• •Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
• •Noise ordinance compliance required
• •Off-street parking required for STR guests
• •Life safety equipment required: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher
• •Annual renewal required

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Lexington are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$500 per day for operating without registration
• ⚠Registration suspension for safety violations
• ⚠Registration revocation for repeated violations

Frequently Asked Questions