Georgetown, KY Short-Term Rentals: Host Platform Liability (2026)

Section 24-67 of Chapter 24, Article IV addresses advertising on a hosting platform. Section 24-60 defines a hosting platform as a person or entity that provides a means through which a host may offer a dwelling unit, or portion thereof, for short-term rental use, noting that most are internet based.

The starting point is registration. Registered short-term rentals may be advertised for stays of less than 30 days. A host or property owner who advertises an unregistered rental, or advertises in violation of the article, is subject to enforcement under Section 24-69. Section 24-66(5) requires a host using a platform to put the valid GSCRC-issued registration number in the advertisement, which gives the city a number to check.

Takedowns come next. Under Section 24-67(b), the director may ask a platform to remove any listing where the registration number is invalid, expired or revoked. The director identifies the listing by URL and displayed registration number, and states the reason. The platform must remove the listing within ten business days of notification.

Reporting follows. Under Section 24-67(c), the director may ask a platform for monthly figures on the total number of short-term rentals in the City of Georgetown listed on the platform and the total number of nights rented through it. When requested, the reports are due on the last day of each month and cover the preceding month.

Subpoenas are the strongest tool. Under Section 24-67(d) and KRS 65.8821, the code enforcement board can subpoena information from a platform. The subpoena must be in writing and attest that the city has a reasonable belief, based on evidence, of a violation; be served on the platform's registered agent; relate to a specific investigation of an identified rental; and identify the alleged violations. The platform must notify its host within ten business days and produce records within 21 days of providing notice, unless the host has sought relief in court. Section 24-65 separately lets a platform with a GSCTC agreement remit room taxes for a host.