Laconia Short-Term Rental Regulations

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Lodging Permit

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Owner (or authorized agent) submits a Short-Term Lodging Review Application to the Planning Department at Laconia City Hall with the $250 fee, an abutters list with addressed/certified-mail envelopes ($10 per abutter), a parcel card, and a parking diagram. Planning Department staff review the application administratively for zoning eligibility; if eligible, a joint Fire Department / Building Code Enforcement inspection is scheduled. Applications are approved or denied within 30 days of a complete submission, with notice mailed to the applicant and abutters; denials may be appealed to the Zoning Board of Adjustment within 30 days. Approval is owner-specific (a change of ownership requires a new application) and is valid for 2 years before renewal is required.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 8.5% of gross rental income.

Collection: Self-remit by the operator: the owner/operator must register with NH DRA for an Operator's License before offering sleeping accommodations, then collect the 8.5% M&R tax from guests and remit it to the state.

Filing: Monthly

Rental Limits

Laconia does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Individual-stay rule: 1-14 consecutive nights per stay (ordinance definition of 'Short-Term Lodging'); a separate 120-night/15-rental annual cap, May 1-Oct 31 only, applies to the seasonal-dwelling zoning pathway in RS/RG/RR1 zones.

Occupancy & Density Limits

Formula-based, confirmed at inspection: 4 persons for the first 400 sq ft of living space, plus 1 additional person per each additional 200 sq ft of living space (e.g., a 1,400 sq ft unit is capped at 9 occupants).

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-Term Lodging (stays of 1-14 consecutive nights) is a regulated accessory/permitted use under Laconia Zoning Ordinance §235-41:M. It is permitted with no limitation on the number of rental periods in the Commercial Resort (CR) and Shorefront Residential (SFR) zones (which include the Weirs Beach / Lake Winnipesaukee waterfront area). It is prohibited outright in the Industrial (I), Industrial Park (IP), and Airport Industrial (AI) zones. In all other zones (including standard residential districts), it is prohibited unless the property is owner-occupied, meaning the owner resides on the property at least 150 days per year; Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and their associated primary unit are never eligible for Short-Term Lodging in any zone. Separately, in the Residential Single-Family (RS), Residential General (RG), and Residential Rural (RR1) zones, a 'seasonal dwelling unit' (under 1,400 sq ft, only one dwelling unit per lot, occupied only May 1-Oct 31) may be short-term rented for up to 15 separate rental periods or 120 nights per year (whichever comes first), May 1-Oct 31 only. Non-owner-occupied, non-seasonal properties in RS, RG, RR1, RR2, and Urban Commercial (UC) zones may still seek a Special Exception from the Zoning Board of Adjustment if the short-term use predates the December 2019 ordinance by 5+ years, or if it provides a demonstrable general community benefit.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Laconia does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Joint inspection by the Fire Department and Building Code Enforcement Department prior to approval
• Functioning smoke/CO detectors installed per City-adopted codes
• All operable windows/doors able to open for emergency egress
• No basement sleeping areas unless egress windows/doors conform to City-adopted codes
• Visible, functional fire extinguisher in any kitchen area
• Maximum occupancy confirmed via floor space square footage per City-adopted codes
• Driveway/off-street parking capacity confirmed (minimum 9'x19' per space); no on-street parking allowed

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• First violation: warning
• Second violation: civil penalty of $275 for each day of violation
• Third violation: revocation of the Short-Term Lodging approval; owner barred from reapplying for one year
• Operating without an approved permit, or after expiration/revocation, subjects the owner to fines and penalties under Zoning Ordinance §235-82

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Laconia:

1. Meet safety requirements. Joint inspection by the Fire Department and Building Code Enforcement Department prior to approval. Functioning smoke/CO detectors installed per City-adopted codes. All operable windows/doors able to open for emergency egress. No basement sleeping areas unless egress windows/doors conform to City-adopted codes. Visible, functional fire extinguisher in any kitchen area. Maximum occupancy confirmed via floor space square footage per City-adopted codes. Driveway/off-street parking capacity confirmed (minimum 9'x19' per space); no on-street parking allowed.
2. Apply for Short-Term Lodging Permit. Submit application + $250 fee.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (NH DRA).
4. Collect and remit taxes. 8.5% on all bookings.
5. Renew every 2 years. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Laconia?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Laconia requires a Short-Term Lodging Permit.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Laconia?

A Short-Term Lodging Permit in Laconia costs $250 per year.

Does Laconia require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Laconia allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Laconia?

Laconia does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Laconia?

Short-term rental stays in Laconia are subject to a 8.5% NH Meals & Rooms (Rentals) Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting it.