Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Hot Springs?

**Yes**, Hot Springs requires you to obtain a Short-Term Rental License. You need to apply annually and meet specific safety inspection requirements. The annual fee for this license is $50, as outlined in Chapter 5.44 of the city ordinances. Make sure you apply. (51 words)

What is the TOT tax rate in Hot Springs, AR?

**3% A&P tax** is the required tax rate for short-term rentals in Hot Springs. You, as the host, are responsible for collecting this tax from guests. You must then remit it to the city in addition to standard state sales taxes. Consult local finance department. (50 words)

Are short-term rentals allowed in Hot Springs, AR?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in Hot Springs, AR, provided you comply with local regulations. You need to obtain a Short-Term Rental License and adhere to safety inspection requirements, as detailed in Chapter 5.44. Also, be sure to collect and remit the 3% A&P tax. (51 words)

How much does an STR permit cost in Hot Springs?

**$50** is the annual cost for a Short-Term Rental License in Hot Springs. You must renew this license each year to legally operate a short-term rental within the city. This fee is mandated by Chapter 5.44. Always verify current fees with the city. (47 words)

Can renters host on Airbnb in Hot Springs?

**No**, tenants are not permitted to host on Airbnb or other short-term rental platforms in Hot Springs, AR. The regulations stipulate that only property owners can obtain a Short-Term Rental License. Renters must have explicit permission from the property owner, effectively prohibiting subletting. (49 words)

Hot Springs

Moderate

ArkansasUpdated Mar 16, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

The City of Hot Springs regulates short-term rentals through Chapter 5.44, requiring an annual license, safety inspections, and a $50 fee. Hosts must collect and remit a 3% local Advertising and Promotion (A&P) tax in addition to state sales taxes.

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Hot Springs, you must first apply for an annual Short-Term Rental license through the city's Planning Department. This process includes a mandatory fire safety inspection and proof of liability insurance ($1 million). Once licensed, you are required to post your permit number on all listings and pay a monthly 3% local tax (A&P Tax) on all stays under 30 nights. Note that the city limits occupancy based on the number of bedrooms you have.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$50

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify if your property is within City Limits or Unincorporated Garland County; county properties have different rules.
2A mandatory fire safety inspection must be passed before the license is issued.
3Occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with a hard maximum of 10 people.
4The 3% A&P tax is separate from state sales tax and must be remitted monthly to the city.
5You must post a 24/7 local emergency contact name and phone number inside the rental.
6Outdoor noise or trash complaints can lead to immediate fines of $500.
7Wait times for inspections can increase during peak tourist seasons (Spring/Summer).

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Hot Springs allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Condos.
Hot Springs, AR: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Hot Springs does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements20 rules

Hot Springs STR warning: You must post a 24/7 local emergency contact name and phone number inside the rental.
Hot Springs, AR: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
Hot Springs, AR: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application process11 rules

Hot Springs STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning. Confirm the property is in a zone where STRs are allowed and check for any neighborhood overlays. Time: 1 day.
Hot Springs STR permit - Step 3: Submit License Application. Complete the online application portal or paper form with the Planning Department. Required documents: Proof of insurance, Inspection report, Site plan. Time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50.

Fees & costs1 rule

Hot Springs charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Hot Springs: The 3% A&P tax is separate from state sales tax and must be remitted monthly to the city.
Arkansas has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Hot Springs, AR occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Hot Springs occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements2 rules

Hot Springs: A mandatory fire safety inspection must be passed before the license is issued.
Hot Springs requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing emergency exits must be posted.

Penalties4 rules

Hot Springs: Outdoor noise or trash complaints can lead to immediate fines of $500.
Hot Springs: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

Hot Springs: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Hot Springs, AR: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Hot Springs exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Hot Springs

Moderate

ArkansasUpdated Mar 16, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 18

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Tenants cannot host
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$50

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify if your property is within City Limits or Unincorporated Garland County; county properties have different rules.
2A mandatory fire safety inspection must be passed before the license is issued.
3Occupancy is strictly capped at 2 people per bedroom plus 2, with a hard maximum of 10 people.
4The 3% A&P tax is separate from state sales tax and must be remitted monthly to the city.
5You must post a 24/7 local emergency contact name and phone number inside the rental.
6Outdoor noise or trash complaints can lead to immediate fines of $500.
7Wait times for inspections can increase during peak tourist seasons (Spring/Summer).

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility7 rules

Hot Springs allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Multi-family, Condos.
Hot Springs, AR: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Hot Springs does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.

Requirements20 rules

Hot Springs STR warning: You must post a 24/7 local emergency contact name and phone number inside the rental.
Hot Springs, AR: Hosts must report their rental activity monthly to the city, even if platforms collect taxes.
Hot Springs, AR: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.

Application process11 rules

Hot Springs STR permit - Step 1: Verify Zoning. Confirm the property is in a zone where STRs are allowed and check for any neighborhood overlays. Time: 1 day.
Hot Springs STR permit - Step 3: Submit License Application. Complete the online application portal or paper form with the Planning Department. Required documents: Proof of insurance, Inspection report, Site plan. Time: 1-2 weeks. Cost: 50.

Fees & costs1 rule

Hot Springs charges a registration fee of $50 (annual).

Taxes3 rules

Hot Springs: The 3% A&P tax is separate from state sales tax and must be remitted monthly to the city.
Arkansas has a state sales tax of 6.5% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Hot Springs, AR occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Hot Springs occupancy calculation: 2 per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 10 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety requirements2 rules

Hot Springs: A mandatory fire safety inspection must be passed before the license is issued.
Hot Springs requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan showing emergency exits must be posted.

Penalties4 rules

Hot Springs: Outdoor noise or trash complaints can lead to immediate fines of $500.
Hot Springs: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

Hot Springs: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Hot Springs, AR: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Hot Springs exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Hot Springs?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Hot Springs, AR?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Hot Springs, AR?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Hot Springs?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Hot Springs?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Hot Springs?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Hot Springs, AR?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Hot Springs, AR?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Hot Springs?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Hot Springs?

Disclaimer