Rental Licensing

Short-term Rental Licensing and Inspection

On October 20, 2020, the Lawrence City Commission adopted on second and final reading Ordinance No. 9740, which amends the regulations of the licensing and inspection of Short-term Residential Rental Property. This Ordinance repeals existing Chapter 6, Article 13A (Ordinance No. 9560) of the Code of the City of Lawrence, which became effective on November 1, 2018.

The amendments within Ordinance No. 9740 now prohibit Non-Owner Occupied Short-term Residential Rental Property located within RS (Single-Dwelling Residential) districts and within PD (Planned Development) districts. Non-Owner Occupied Short-term Residential Rental Property is permitted within all other zoning districts within the City. In addition, an Accessory Dwelling Unit or Duplex located on a Lot in a RS district or PD district may be used as a Short-term Residential Rental Property if and only if 1) the Lot is Owner Occupied, and 2) the Accessory Dwelling Unit or Duplex is a lawful use of the property. Other relevant amendments include the following:

• Owner Occupied is now defined as a Dwelling Unit in which the Owner resides more than 270 days per calendar year (previous definition was more than 182 days per calendar year).
• Eliminated the requirement and ability to obtain a Special Use Permit (SUP) for Non-Owner Occupied Short-term Residential Rental Property.
• Any Licensee, Owner, or Person is limited to a maximum of three Short-term Residential Property at any one time.
• The Short-term Rental License shall be displayed on all listing platforms for which the Short-term Residential Rental Property is advertised for Rent.
• Inspections are now completed biennially rather than annually.

For questions, you may contact Brian Jimenez, Code Enforcement Manager at 785-832-3111 or bjimenez@lawrenceks.org.

Short-term Rental Licensing and Inspection Documents:

• Short-term Rental License Application
• What to expect at your inspection for property owners
• Short-term Inspection Form
• Frequently Asked Questions about Short-term Rentals
• Rental Licensing Payment Portal

Long-term Rental Licensing and Inspection

Here you will find information specific to landlords or tenants. Please feel free to contact our staff through email, in person or by phone with questions.

Licensing and Inspection Reports »