Kentucky has become a favored destination for travelers, with the rise of short-term rentals enhancing its appeal. These rentals range from rural cottages to city apartments, offering a personalized experience of the state's attractions like bourbon distilleries, the Kentucky Derby, and the Appalachian Mountains. This trend benefits the local economy and tourism, although it also raises regulatory challenges to balance tourism growth with community interests. In summary, short-term rentals in Kentucky provide a distinctive way for visitors to experience the state's rich culture and natural beauty.

In Kentucky, there isn't a standardized statewide definition for short-term rentals (STRs). Instead, regulations and definitions vary across different cities and counties. For example, in Louisville and Lexington, short-term rentals are generally defined as properties rented for less than 30 consecutive days. This encompasses a variety of property types, including houses, condos, apartments, and even houseboats or RVs.

In several popular tourist locales, including Louisville and Lexington, short-term rentals are generally defined as accommodations rented out for less than 30 consecutive days. These regulations are part of the local ordinances set by individual cities within the state.

In Kentucky, the statewide tax requirements for short-term rentals include several components. As of 2023, Airbnb and VRBO, two major short-term rental platforms, are responsible for collecting and remitting a 1% statewide transient room tax for all their participating Kentucky hosts. This tax is applicable to the total charges for rentals, including service fees.

Additionally, this transient room tax is in addition to the standard 6% sales tax that is also applicable to short-term rentals. It's important to note that the 1% transient room tax applies to stays at various types of accommodations, including hotels, motels, inns, campgrounds, and recreational vehicle parks.

For those operating short-term rentals not exclusively through Airbnb or VRBO, or for additional local taxes, property owners are responsible for the tax collection and remittance. For example, in the City of Frankfort and Franklin County, short-term rental property owners must also collect and remit a 4% City of Frankfort Transient Room Tax, a 3% Franklin County Transient Room Tax, and a 2% Fine Arts Tax, in addition to the state taxes.