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

**Yes**, Kennebunkport requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual Short-Term Rental License through the Town Clerk's office. You need to apply and pay a fee of $100. The town also enforces a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied licenses available each year, so apply early.

What is the TOT tax rate in Kennebunkport?

**Tax rates vary;** check with the local finance department. Short-term rental hosts are typically responsible for collecting and remitting local and state taxes, so it's important to verify the specific requirements and rates in Kennebunkport. Contact the Kennebunkport tax assessor for the most up-to-date information.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Kennebunkport?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Kennebunkport, but the town enforces certain restrictions. The town limits owners to a maximum of two STR properties. Additionally, there is a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied licenses. Make sure to acquire the required annual license to operate legally.

How much does an STR permit cost in Kennebunkport?

**The Short-Term Rental** License costs $100 annually in Kennebunkport. This fee is required to obtain the necessary permit through the Town Clerk's office. Be aware that additional fees or taxes may apply, so you should verify all requirements with the local authorities. Renew your license annually.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Kennebunkport?

**No**, tenants cannot host on Airbnb in Kennebunkport. The town requires that the property owner obtain the Short-Term Rental License. Since tenants do not own the property, they are not eligible to apply for this license. Only property owners can legally operate a short-term rental.

Kennebunkport

Moderate

MaineUpdated Apr 2, 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

Kennebunkport requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual license through the Town Clerk's office. The town enforces a cap on the number of non-owner-occupied licenses and limits owners to a maximum of two STR properties.

Restriction level

Severity 23

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Limited to 2 properties per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit required
No night cap
No primary residence requirement

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Kennebunkport, you must register your property with the town and pay a $100 annual fee. You are required to have $1 million in liability insurance and must limit your occupancy based on the number of bedrooms (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra). You can only own two rental properties in town, and you must display your town-issued license number on your online listing. The town also requires a safety self-inspection and quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$100

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Maximum of 2 STR properties per owner is strictly enforced town-wide.
2Non-owner occupied STRs are subject to a town-wide cap (currently 500 licenses); if full, you must join a waitlist.
3The 9% lodging tax is a state tax, not a local city tax, and is usually collected by platforms.
4License renewals must be completed by December 31st each year to avoid a $100 late fee.
5Septic systems must be pumped every 3 years for properties not on the public sewer system.
6Parking is strictly regulated; one off-street spot is required for every 4 guests.
7License numbers MUST be included in the header of any online advertisements or listings.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Kennebunkport, ME: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Kennebunkport, ME: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Kennebunkport allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Two-family, Multi-family, Accessory apartments.

Requirements17 rules

Kennebunkport STR warning: License numbers MUST be included in the header of any online advertisements or listings.
Kennebunkport: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Kennebunkport has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied vs. Non-Owner Occupied (Subject to caps). Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application process11 rules

How to set up an STR in Kennebunkport: To host an Airbnb in Kennebunkport, you must register your property with the town and pay a $100 annual fee. You are required to have $1 million in liability insurance and must limit your occupancy based on the number of bedrooms (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra). You can only own two rental properties in town, and you must display your town-issued license number on your online listing. The town also requires a safety self-inspection and quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM.

Fees & costs2 rules

Kennebunkport: License renewals must be completed by December 31st each year to avoid a $100 late fee.
Kennebunkport charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Kennebunkport: The 9% lodging tax is a state tax, not a local city tax, and is usually collected by platforms.
Maine has a state sales tax of 9% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Kennebunkport: Non-owner occupied STRs are subject to a town-wide cap (currently 500 licenses); if full, you must join a waitlist.
Kennebunkport occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Kennebunkport: Maximum of 2 STR properties per owner is strictly enforced town-wide.

Safety requirements1 rule

Kennebunkport requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in sleeping areas, Posted emergency exit plan, Evidence of septic pump-out within 3 years (if applicable).

Penalties3 rules

Kennebunkport: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Kennebunkport, ME: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

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

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

Kennebunkport

Moderate

MaineUpdated Apr 2, 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 23

Classification

Moderate

Severity

Why this classification

Limited to 2 properties per owner
Tenants cannot host
Permit 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$100

Processing time2-4 weeks

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Maximum of 2 STR properties per owner is strictly enforced town-wide.
2Non-owner occupied STRs are subject to a town-wide cap (currently 500 licenses); if full, you must join a waitlist.
3The 9% lodging tax is a state tax, not a local city tax, and is usually collected by platforms.
4License renewals must be completed by December 31st each year to avoid a $100 late fee.
5Septic systems must be pumped every 3 years for properties not on the public sewer system.
6Parking is strictly regulated; one off-street spot is required for every 4 guests.
7License numbers MUST be included in the header of any online advertisements or listings.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

Kennebunkport, ME: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
Kennebunkport, ME: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.
Kennebunkport allows STRs in the following property types: Single-family, Two-family, Multi-family, Accessory apartments.

Requirements17 rules

Kennebunkport STR warning: License numbers MUST be included in the header of any online advertisements or listings.
Kennebunkport: You must display your permit/registration number on your listing. Platforms may remove non-compliant listings.
Kennebunkport has different permit classes: Owner-Occupied vs. Non-Owner Occupied (Subject to caps). Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.

Application process11 rules

How to set up an STR in Kennebunkport: To host an Airbnb in Kennebunkport, you must register your property with the town and pay a $100 annual fee. You are required to have $1 million in liability insurance and must limit your occupancy based on the number of bedrooms (usually 2 people per bedroom plus 2 extra). You can only own two rental properties in town, and you must display your town-issued license number on your online listing. The town also requires a safety self-inspection and quiet hours between 10 PM and 7 AM.

Fees & costs2 rules

Kennebunkport: License renewals must be completed by December 31st each year to avoid a $100 late fee.
Kennebunkport charges a registration fee of $100 (annual).

Taxes2 rules

Kennebunkport: The 9% lodging tax is a state tax, not a local city tax, and is usually collected by platforms.
Maine has a state sales tax of 9% that applies to STR rentals.

Limits & restrictions7 rules

Kennebunkport: Non-owner occupied STRs are subject to a town-wide cap (currently 500 licenses); if full, you must join a waitlist.
Kennebunkport occupancy calculation: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, not to exceed 12 total.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Kennebunkport: Maximum of 2 STR properties per owner is strictly enforced town-wide.

Safety requirements1 rule

Kennebunkport requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Egress windows in sleeping areas, Posted emergency exit plan, Evidence of septic pump-out within 3 years (if applicable).

Penalties3 rules

Kennebunkport: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Kennebunkport, ME: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions3 rules

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

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 Kennebunkport?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Kennebunkport?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Kennebunkport?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Kennebunkport?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Kennebunkport?

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 Kennebunkport?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Kennebunkport?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Kennebunkport?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Kennebunkport?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Kennebunkport?

Disclaimer