Kentucky Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Kentucky imposes its 6% state sales tax and a 1% state transient room tax on short-term rentals. Louisville requires STR registration and compliance with building codes. The Red River Gorge area and Kentucky Lake are growing STR markets.
Varies by city; Louisville requires STR permits
STR license
6% state sales tax + 1% transient room tax + local
Occupancy tax / TOT
No statewide limit
Maximum stay
Enforced per HOA bylaws
HOA restrictions
Kentucky Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Kentucky requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for KY short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Kentucky Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Kentucky can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies by city; Louisville requires STR permits — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Kentucky Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: Enforced per HOA bylaws — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Kentucky Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Kentucky vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with KY requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Kentucky property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Kentucky occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Kentucky House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Kentucky under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Kentucky Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Kentucky imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for KY vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6% state sales tax + 1% transient room tax + local |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in KY |
Sample Kentucky Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Kentucky-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF KENTUCKY
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Kentucky Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Kentucky Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Kentucky Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Kentucky vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Kentucky Resources
Use these official resources for Kentucky short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create Your Kentucky Vacation Rental Agreement
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