Louisville, KY Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Registration is administered by Louisville Metro Codes and Regulations (or its successor department) and requires: a completed application, proof of property ownership or written owner consent, liability insurance certificate meeting the minimum limit, a 24/7 local contact name and phone number, a site plan or bedroom layout showing maximum occupancy, and zoning confirmation. Conditional use permits (CUPs) are required for certain non-host-occupied whole-home STRs in single-family residential zones, which involves a public hearing before the Board of Zoning Adjustment. Registration numbers must be included in all advertisements and listings; platforms periodically audit for compliance. STR operators must also register for Kentucky sales tax, Louisville Metro transient room tax, and remit taxes monthly or quarterly. Renewal is typically annual, and lapses in registration prohibit rental activity. Operating without registration can result in fines per violation and back-tax liability. Louisville takes enforcement seriously because of housing availability concerns, and unregistered listings are routinely identified through platform scraping.