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Kiawah Island short-term rental rules (2026)

South Carolina · United States
Restricted
These rules apply inside Kiawah Island town limits only. Properties outside them follow county or neighboring-town rules.
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 30 nights

Allowed, with material limits. New licenses are capped; some remain available.

Kiawah Island is a private gated community.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

License
Required
Primary residence
Not required
Tax on stays
13%
total, on our records
Night cap
None

Work for Kiawah Island? Claim this page to confirm or correct the rules.

ALLOWEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

Browse all 15 STR regulations in South Carolina → Browse all 944 STR regulations in United States →

The full Kiawah Island rules

17 rules on record for Kiawah Island, 6 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: kiawahisland.gov (official), checked 5 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Kiawah Island?

Yes, with material limits. Kiawah Island is a private gated community.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Kiawah Island?

Yes, a license or registration is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Kiawah Island?

13% in total on stays, on our records.

Is there a limit on rental nights in Kiawah Island?

No night cap is on record.

Can I rent for longer stays in Kiawah Island?

Stays of 30 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Kiawah Island rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Kiawah Island on 5 Nov 2026.

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