Topeka, KS Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Topeka's STR framework is contained in TMC 18.225.010 (Specific Use Requirements) and the use matrix at TMC 18.60.010, both of which were adopted by Ordinance 20283 in 2021. The administrative permit issued by the Planning Director under TMC 18.225.010 is conditioned on compliance with the specific use requirements - exterior residential appearance, primary entrance within the dwelling, no in-room cooking facilities, no weddings or large gatherings (Type I and II), residential signage under TMC 18.10, parking under TMC 18.240, adequate trash receptacles, and noise compliance - but the ordinance text does not require liability insurance, a certificate of insurance, or a minimum coverage amount. Kansas state law (K.S.A. 12-1696 et seq., the Transient Guest Tax Act) authorizes Topeka to collect a transient guest tax on stays of 28 days or fewer but is silent on insurance. Operators should still verify coverage with their carrier because most standard homeowner policies in Kansas exclude commercial or short-term rental use; many Topeka hosts pair an Airbnb Host Liability or Vrbo Liability Coverage program (each providing up to $1,000,000 per occurrence on covered platforms) with a dedicated short-term rental endorsement or landlord policy. Properties financed by a mortgage or held in an LLC may also be subject to lender or operating-agreement insurance covenants that exceed any city requirement.