Cape Girardeau, Missouri Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

The City of Cape Girardeau's existing Residential Rental Licensing program is the primary regulatory framework for operating a rental property within the city limits. While the materials provided do not explicitly label these as "short-term rentals" (STRs), the requirements for a Residential Rental License apply to all rental dwellings and are the foundational steps for any STR operator in Cape Girardeau.

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Cape Girardeau, MO, provided you obtain a Residential Rental License and comply with the city's general requirements for rental properties. The city mandates that all rental dwellings be safe, clean, sanitary, fit for human occupancy, and compliant with all applicable state and city legal requirements. A separate city-issued business license may also be required for operating a rental as a business. State-level regulations for Missouri apply as well, particularly concerning taxation. The city provides a direct link to the relevant ordinance for detailed requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cape Girardeau

To begin operating a short-term rental, you must follow the city's residential rental licensing process. The primary steps are:

Review the General Requirements: Familiarize yourself with the city's safety, sanitation, and structural requirements. These cover essentials like smoke alarms, electrical safety, plumbing, heating, and egress.
Submit an Application for a Residential Rental License: The city provides a downloadable application form.
Submit an Application for a Business License (if operating as a business): This is a separate application from the residential rental license.
Prepare for an Inspection: The property will be inspected to ensure it meets all the general requirements and is fit for occupancy.
Register for and Collect State and Local Taxes: You are responsible for registering with the Missouri Department of Revenue and collecting the appropriate sales taxes on lodging. Local taxes may also apply.
Maintain Compliance: Keep the property in good repair and respond promptly to any city-generated complaints.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

You will need the following to operate a compliant STR in Cape Girardeau:

Residential Rental License: A city-issued license for the rental property. A link to the application form is provided in the "Forms & Documents" section of the licensing page.
Business License: You must determine if your STR operation requires a separate city business license and apply for it if necessary.
Certificate of Compliance: This is issued after the property passes the city inspection, confirming it meets all safety and health standards.
State Tax Registration: You must register with the Missouri Department of Revenue to collect and remit sales taxes on short-term lodging transactions.

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Cape Girardeau

General Requirements: The city mandates that the dwelling be safe, clean, sanitary, fit for human occupancy and comply with state and city codes. This includes:
- Safety: Smoke alarms in each bedroom, hallway, and on each floor; secure handrails on steps with four or more risers; secure guards on landings over 30 inches high; approved emergency egress in bedrooms.
- Plumbing and Electrical Systems: All systems must be maintained in good condition and function properly. No exposed electrical wiring is allowed.
- Appliances and Heating: All furnished appliances must function, and there must be an approved and properly functioning heating system.
- Sanitation: The unit must be free of pest infestation and maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. The property's exterior must also be maintained in good condition.

Cape Girardeau County

The provided content does not specify county-level regulations for STRs. Any county regulations, if they exist, would be separate from the city's requirements and would need to be confirmed with Cape Girardeau County.

State of Missouri

Missouri's short-term rental regulations are primarily set at the local level, but the following statewide requirements apply:

Sales Tax: All STR hosts must collect and remit a state sales tax of 4.225% on short-term lodging.
Income Tax: Gross rental revenue from STRs is subject to Missouri income tax.
Local Lodging Taxes: Many localities in Missouri impose additional local lodging taxes on STR transactions. It is the host's responsibility to identify and comply with any local taxes in Cape Girardeau or the surrounding area.

Contact Information

For questions related to residential rental licensing and inspections in Cape Girardeau, contact the city's Inspection Services department:

Phone: 573-339-6327
Email: inspection.services@cityofcapegirardeau.org

Links to Source Pages

The information in this guide is compiled from the following sources:

Residential Rental Licensing: City of Cape Girardeau - Residential Rental Licensing
Laws & Ordinances: City of Cape Girardeau - Laws & Ordinances
Application for Rental License (Direct Link): Rental License Application
Rental Property Complaint Form (Direct Link): Rental Property Complaint Form
Residential Rental Ordinance (Municode Link): View Ordinance
Rental Brochure (Direct Link): Download/Print Brochure
Missouri STR Regulations (State-Level): Lodge Compliance - Missouri
Missouri STR Regulations & Insurance (State-Level): Proper Insurance - Missouri Airbnb Laws

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Cape Girardeau?

Cape Girardeau hosts earn a median $22,367/year with $133 ADR and 59% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $30,860+ per year.

See the full Cape Girardeau market breakdown

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Ask the AI Advisor about Cape Girardeau

Cape Girardeau sits on the west bank of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau County in southeast Missouri, with a population of approximately 40,000. Long considered the regional hub of southeast Missouri, the city is anchored by Southeast Missouri State University and carries the affectionate nickname the "City of Roses" for its longstanding tradition of civic rose plantings. It lies roughly 100 to 115 miles southeast of St. Louis, about a two-hour drive, and is often used as a base for exploring the lower Mississippi corridor and the surrounding hill country.

Just south of the city, Trail of Tears State Park preserves a portion of the land that Native Americans crossed during the forced removals of the 1830s. The park offers hiking trails, river overlooks, an interpretive center, and a campground, all within about a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown. Its bluffs and bottomland forests draw birders and day hikers, and the on-site exhibits provide context for one of the more sobering chapters in the region's history.

Downtown Cape Girardeau centers on a stretch of preserved 19th-century brick buildings, the riverfront, and views across the Mississippi toward Illinois. The historic Old St. Vincent's Church, a former Catholic parish building dating to the mid-1800s, stands among the architectural anchors, and the waterfront parks along Main Street host community events, concerts, and seasonal festivals throughout the year. The walkable core gives visitors a sense of the city's pre-Civil War trading-post roots and its role as a river landing before the railroad era.

About 25 miles west of Cape Girardeau, Bollinger Mill State Historic Site protects a restored 1800s grist mill and the adjacent Burfordville Covered Bridge, one of the few remaining covered bridges in Missouri. Visitors can tour the mill, walk the bridge, and picnic along the creek, making it a popular day trip for families and history enthusiasts exploring the countryside beyond the city.

Cape Girardeau's appeal as a short-term rental market rests on this blend of small-city livability and outdoor access. Visitors are drawn by the university calendar, regional sports tournaments, the riverfront event scene, and the proximity of state parks and historic sites, while travelers passing through between St. Louis, Memphis, and the Ozarks find it a logical overnight stop. The combination of a stable population base, a distinct historic core, and a varied set of nearby destinations supports steady year-round interest in the area.