Independence, MO Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Section 14-424-12 of the Unified Development Ordinance states the rule plainly: 'A short-term rental operator shall not live in the short-term rental unit when the unit is rented.' Independence does not run an owner-occupied, host-present model; when the property is booked, the owner or operator must be somewhere else.

In place of an on-site host, Section 14-424-09 requires every short-term rental to designate a Responsible Agent, who can be the owner personally, provided that person is 'located within an hour's drive of Independence.' The Responsible Agent must have 'access and authority to assume management of the unit and take remedial measures,' be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to field complaints and violations, and be able to 'affirmatively respond to complaints within an hour of notification.' Any change to the Responsible Agent's name, address or phone number must be reported to the City within five business days of the change.

The Responsible Agent's contact information is not just filed with the City: Section 14-424-16 requires it to be posted, along with the maximum occupancy, evacuation plan, parking plan, trash plan and noise management plan, in a prominent location inside the rental so guests and neighbors can reach someone even though the owner is not staying there.