Quick answer: Keene, New Hampshire has proposed a short-term rental ordinance that would define rentals as stays under 30 days and allow them in 15 zoning districts with requirements for residential appearance and local contact information. A public hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026.
Key Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Keene, New Hampshire |
| What changed | Proposed definition of short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) and zoning rules allowing them in 15 districts with property appearance and contact requirements |
| Who it affects | Hosts offering hosted and non-hosted short-term rentals in rural, residential, downtown, commerce, and office zoning districts |
| Status | Proposed |
| Effective date | Not yet announced |
| Penalties | Not reported |
| Governing body | Keene City Council, Community Development Department |
What Changed
Keene's Community Development Department has proposed an amendment to the city's Land Development Code that would formally define short-term rentals and establish zoning rules for their operation, according to mykeenenow.com. Under the proposal, a short-term rental is defined as a dwelling or portion of one offered for a fee for fewer than 30 consecutive days. The proposal distinguishes between hosted rentals, where the owner or lessee lives in the property as their primary residence, and non-hosted rentals, where they do not.
The ordinance would allow short-term rentals with limitations in 15 zoning districts: Rural, Residential Preservation, Low Density, Low Density 1, Medium Density, High Density, High Density 1, Downtown Core, Downtown Growth, Downtown Transition, Commerce, Neighborhood Business, Business Growth and Reuse, Office, and Agriculture.
Who Is Affected
The proposal applies to all hosts offering short-term rentals in the named zoning districts. Hosted rentals, where the owner or lessee resides in the property, would need to maintain the residential appearance of the dwelling and lot. Non-hosted rental properties would be required to post contact information for an owner or property manager who can respond to concerns. According to mykeenenow.com, a 2023 city study found that short-term rentals represented a small share of Keene's overall housing supply, and an informal review of listings suggested the number had not changed substantially since then.
The ordinance does not establish a citywide licensing or registration program as currently described.
What Hosts Should Do Now
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Review the full ordinance at the City Clerk's Office, 3 Washington St., during regular business hours, or access the public hearing notice online.
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Attend or submit comment at the public hearing scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026, before the Keene City Council to weigh in on the proposed rules.
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Assess your property type to determine if your rental (hosted or non-hosted) falls within one of the 15 permitted zoning districts and whether you will need to comply with appearance or contact information requirements.
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Monitor next steps after the public hearing, as city staff indicated that additional regulations could be considered if short-term rentals become more numerous or concentrated in particular areas.
The Bigger Picture
The proposed ordinance was prompted by changes to New Hampshire state law that altered the definition of family, which previously allowed Keene to treat many short-term rentals as permitted residential uses without separate regulation. The change created a need for the city to address stays of fewer than 30 days separately and formally.
Public feedback gathered earlier in 2026 reflected divided views on short-term rentals. A city survey received 301 responses, with residents raising concerns about housing affordability and loss of long-term rental properties, while others highlighted visitor spending, tourism and lodging flexibility as benefits. More than 100 respondents supported short-term rentals if nuisance issues were addressed and regulations enforced. The proposed ordinance reflects some of this feedback, including the requirement to post contact information for non-hosted properties, which 151 survey respondents favored.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are short-term rentals allowed in Keene, New Hampshire?
Keene has proposed new rules that would allow short-term rentals in 15 zoning districts, but the ordinance has not yet been adopted. A public hearing is scheduled for October 15, 2026. Currently, Keene does not have specific short-term rental regulations, though rentals have operated under the city's general zoning rules.
Do I need a license for a short-term rental in Keene?
The proposed ordinance does not establish a citywide licensing or registration program for short-term rentals. However, non-hosted rentals would be required to post contact information for an owner or property manager who can respond to concerns.
What are the zoning rules for short-term rentals in Keene?
The proposed rules would allow short-term rentals in 15 zoning districts including rural, residential, downtown, and commercial areas. In residential zoning districts, properties must maintain residential appearance. Non-hosted rentals must post owner or manager contact information.
When do the new Keene short-term rental rules take effect?
The effective date has not been announced. The City Council will hold a public hearing on October 15, 2026, to hear comments before deciding whether to adopt the proposed ordinance.
How many short-term rentals are in Keene?
A 2023 city study found that short-term rentals represented a small share of Keene's overall housing supply. An informal review of listings suggested the number had not changed substantially since then, though the city does not subscribe to a paid tracking service.
Sources
Check the current rules for your area in the LawfulStay database.