Kennebunk, Maine

Short-term rentals are permitted in Kennebunk, but they must be registered. The town’s Short-Term Rental Ordinance took effect January 1, 2025, and defines a short-term rental as any dwelling unit or accessory dwelling unit rented for fewer than 15 consecutive days. It was developed in 2023 and 2024 mainly to address fire-code and life-safety concerns as the STR market grew.

Each unit needs its own registration, filed with the Town Clerk’s Office at 1 Summer Street. Before approval, the unit must pass a life-safety inspection by Kennebunk Fire Rescue, and registration is denied until any deficiencies are corrected. The fee is $250 for a new application and $150 for renewal, and registrations renew annually by January 1. Registrations are non-transferable, so a change in ownership, or in an owning entity’s members, managers or officers, requires a new registration.

Based on the available sources, the ordinance does not cap the number of nights, does not require owner occupancy or primary residence, and does not ban rentals by zone. General town land-use and zoning rules still apply. Enforcement severity is rated moderate.

On taxes, Maine levies a statewide 9% lodging tax on short-term rental stays, and there is no separate local Kennebunk lodging tax. A sole proprietor managing a single unit for stays under 15 days may be exempt from collecting the state tax, while platform or property-manager handled rentals collect the 9%. Investors should confirm tax obligations with Maine Revenue Services and verify current ordinance text with the town. Profile last updated June 20, 2026.