Wichita, KS Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Wichita ties short-term rental occupancy to the residential building code and the international property maintenance code, both adopted citywide. The default formula used during program inspection is two guests per legal bedroom plus two additional guests, which mirrors common industry practice on Airbnb and Vrbo. A legal bedroom must have a code compliant means of egress, minimum ceiling height, and minimum floor area. Sleeping in basement spaces without an egress window or in converted garages without permits is not counted toward occupancy. Maximum occupancy is also limited by the smoke alarm, carbon monoxide detector, and exit requirements verified during the program inspection. The registration certificate posted in the rental must list the approved maximum number of overnight guests, and exceeding that number is a violation that can lead to fines and permit suspension. Daytime visitors above the overnight cap are tolerated but cannot push the property beyond fire code occupancy or trigger nuisance complaints. Hosts in condominium and townhome buildings should also check association rules under KS Stat 58-3101 and 58-3806, since some HOAs cap nightly guests below the city formula. Larger event gatherings beyond the sleeping cap may require a separate temporary use or special event permit.