Short-Term Rental Rules in St. Louis, MO (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term renting is allowed in St. Louis, MO, but hosts need to obtain a permit to operate. Hosts must comply with regulations about property occupancy, safety, and nuisance behavior to maintain their permit.
Do you need a permit or license?
Yes, all short-term rental properties and platforms listing them require a permit to operate as of November 6, 2024 [1][2][3]. Applications for permits are open until May 6, 2025 [2]. A business license is required for non-occupied short-term rental properties [1]. An occupancy permit and an inspection are mandatory to get the short-term rental permit [1].
Taxes
The ordinance does not specify any specific taxes applicable to short-term rentals. Hosts of "Short-Term Rental, Non-Occupied" units are required to have a business license and the property will be taxed at a commercial rate [1].
Limits and restrictions
Short-term rental permits will not be granted to units with minimum stays of less than two nights or those benefiting from tax increment financing or tax abatement [1][2]. No external signs promoting the property as a short-term rental are allowed, except a city-issued marker not exceeding one foot by one foot [1][2]. The number of occupants is limited to what the occupancy permit allows [1]. A unit can't be offered for events like receptions or parties, nor can food service be provided [1][2]. Short-term rental operators must appoint an agent available 24/7 to address concerns [1]. Rules should be visibly posted inside the unit [1]. Limits apply to the number of short-term rental units per multifamily property, based on the number of dwelling units the property has [2].
Penalties
If nuisance behavior results in three violation notices within 24 months, the permit can be revoked, and no new applications can be accepted for up to 12 months [2]. Hosts have 30 days to rectify violations and may appeal revocation decisions within 30 days of revocation [2]. Violations confirmed in municipal court will incur a $500 fine each, with ongoing violations considered daily offenses [2].
How to apply
To apply, hosts must ensure they have an occupancy permit which includes passing an inspection [1]. Non-occupied short-term rentals require a business license and hosts should apply for permits by May 6, 2025 [1][2].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Permit requirement | Yes, required from November 6, 2024 [1][2] |
| Application deadline | May 6, 2025 [2] |
| Minimum stay | Two nights [1][2] |
| Maximum units per owner | Four non-occupied units [2] |
| Inspections required | Yes, occupancy permit needed [1] |
| Business license | Required for non-occupied rentals [1] |
| Nuisance penalty | Permit revocation after three violations in 24 months [2] |
FAQ
Is a business license required for all short-term rentals?
A business license is required for non-occupied short-term rentals, taxed at a commercial rate [1].
Can I apply for a permit if my property is in a residential zone?
Applicants in a Single-Family Residential Zone must complete a Conditional Use hearing [1].
How many short-term rental units can an owner have?
An owner can have permits for up to four non-occupied short-term rental units [2].
Short-term rental rules elsewhere in MO
Running a rental in St. Louis
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- Short-Term Rental Permits Frequently Asked Questions (official)
- Short-Term Rental Permits (official)
- Ordinance 71729 -- Short-Term Rentals (official)
- Ordinance 71940 -- Short Term Rentals (official)
Last checked: November 1, 2026. This page summarizes rules the government has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the local authority before you list a property.