St. Louis Approves 3% Short-Term Rental Fee

New fee aims to support affordable housing and tenant assistance programs

Feb. 22, 2026 at 8:09am

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The St. Louis Board of Aldermen has approved a new 3% fee on short-term rental stays in the city. The revenue from the fee will go towards funding affordable housing, tenant assistance, and legal help for residents facing eviction. All short-term rental operators will now be required to obtain a city business license and remit the new fee.

Why it matters

The new short-term rental fee is part of the city's efforts to address housing affordability challenges. As short-term rentals have grown in popularity, there are concerns that they are reducing the availability of long-term rental housing and driving up prices. The fee revenue will be used to support programs aimed at preserving and expanding affordable housing options for residents.

The details

The 3% short-term rental fee was approved by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and now heads to Mayor Cara Spencer for final approval. Once implemented, all short-term rental operators in the city will be required to obtain a business license and remit the new fee on each rental stay. The revenue generated will be used to fund affordable housing initiatives, tenant assistance programs, and legal aid for residents facing eviction.

  • The St. Louis Board of Aldermen approved the new 3% short-term rental fee on February 22, 2026.
  • The fee now awaits final approval from Mayor Cara Spencer.

The players

St. Louis Board of Aldermen

The legislative body of the city of St. Louis, responsible for passing local laws and regulations.

Mayor Cara Spencer

The current mayor of the city of St. Louis, who will make the final decision on approving the new short-term rental fee.

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What’s next

Once Mayor Cara Spencer approves the new 3% short-term rental fee, the city will begin implementing the policy and requiring all short-term rental operators to obtain a business license and remit the fee.

The takeaway

The new short-term rental fee is part of St. Louis' efforts to address housing affordability challenges in the city. By using the revenue to fund affordable housing initiatives, tenant assistance, and legal aid, the city aims to mitigate the impact of short-term rentals on the local housing market and support vulnerable residents.