If you own or are considering purchasing a short-term rental property in Rogers, Arkansas, understanding the regulatory landscape is an important early step. Rogers currently operates within a relatively permissive framework for STRs compared to many markets, but there are specific tax obligations, licensing requirements, and property-level restrictions you need to be aware of.
This guide covers what Rogers property owners need to know as of early 2026. Regulations can change, so we recommend verifying current requirements with the City of Rogers or working with a local management company that stays current on compliance.
Tax Obligations
Short-term rental operators in Rogers are responsible for collecting and remitting several layers of tax from guests. The total tax burden in Rogers is approximately 14.5%, broken down as follows:
State and county taxes:
- Arkansas state sales tax: 6.5%
- Benton County tax: 1%
City-level taxes:
- Rogers city sales tax: 2%
- Rogers Advertising & Promotion (A&P) lodging tax: 3%
- Parks & Tourism tax: 2%
These taxes apply to any rental of fewer than 30 consecutive days. As an operator, you are responsible for collecting the full amount from guests and remitting it to the appropriate authorities on the required schedule.
If you list on Airbnb, the platform collects and remits Arkansas state sales tax automatically. However, you remain responsible for city and county taxes not covered by the platform’s collection agreements. VRBO and Booking.com have their own tax collection policies that may differ. It’s important to understand which taxes each platform handles and which you must remit directly.
Business Licensing
Rogers requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license from the city. This is a standard requirement for commercial activity within city limits and applies whether you manage the property yourself or use a management company.
The process is generally straightforward and involves registering with the City of Rogers and paying an annual license fee. Your management company can typically handle this on your behalf.
Zoning Considerations
Rogers does not currently impose a blanket ban or cap on short-term rentals, and Arkansas state law has generally trended toward limiting municipal authority over STRs. However, individual properties may face restrictions based on:
HOA covenants: Many neighborhoods in Rogers—especially newer developments and lake communities around Beaver Lake—have Homeowner Association rules that may restrict or prohibit short-term rentals. Always review your HOA covenants and declarations before listing a property. Some HOAs have added STR restrictions in recent years in response to growth in the market.
Deed restrictions: Some older neighborhoods or specific developments may have deed restrictions that limit commercial use of residential properties.
Planned Unit Developments (PUDs): Properties in PUD-zoned areas may have additional restrictions on rental activity.
Before purchasing an investment property or converting an existing home to an STR, we recommend obtaining and reviewing the full HOA documents and checking with the city planning department for any property-specific restrictions.
Beaver Lake Properties: Special Considerations
Properties near Beaver Lake may involve additional regulatory layers:
Army Corps of Engineers: Beaver Lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which regulates shoreline use. If your property has a dock or shoreline improvements, you may need Corps permits. Dock permits are property-specific and typically transfer with the property, but it’s important to verify permit status during any purchase.
Benton County regulations: Properties outside Rogers city limits but within Benton County may fall under different (often fewer) regulatory requirements, but still must comply with state tax obligations.
Septic systems: Many lakefront properties rely on septic systems rather than municipal sewer. Arkansas Department of Health regulations apply to septic systems, and short-term rental use can increase system demands. Regular inspection and maintenance is essential.
Recent State-Level Legislative Activity
Arkansas has seen active legislative discussion around short-term rental regulation in recent sessions. In 2025, House Bill 1445 proposed prohibiting local governments from regulating the number of short-term rentals within their jurisdictions. While that particular bill did not advance, House Bill 1790 introduced a broader framework to limit local STR regulation.
The legislative trend in Arkansas has generally favored property owner rights and limited municipal ability to ban or heavily restrict short-term rentals. However, this remains an evolving area, and future legislation could change the landscape.
For Rogers property owners, the practical implication is that the current operating environment is relatively favorable, but staying informed about legislative developments is prudent—especially if you’re making a significant property investment.
Insurance Requirements
Standard homeowner’s insurance policies typically do not cover short-term rental activity. Rogers property owners should ensure they have appropriate coverage, which usually means one of the following:
- A dedicated short-term rental insurance policy
- A commercial general liability policy
- A landlord policy with STR endorsement
Platform-provided coverage (like Airbnb’s AirCover) provides some protection but should not be relied upon as your sole coverage. We recommend working with an insurance agent familiar with the STR market in Arkansas.
How Weekender Management Handles Compliance
At Weekender Management, regulatory compliance is built into our full-service management. For every Rogers property we manage, we handle:
- Business license registration and renewals
- Lodging tax collection from guests on every booking
- Tax remittance to the City of Rogers, Benton County, and the State of Arkansas
- Platform tax settings configuration to avoid double-collection
- Monitoring of state legislative activity that could affect your property
- HOA communication and compliance where applicable
This is one of the most common reasons Rogers property owners transition from self-management to professional management—staying compliant across multiple tax jurisdictions and booking platforms is time-consuming and the penalties for getting it wrong can be significant.
Have questions about regulations for your specific Rogers property? Contact us for a free consultation, or get an income projection to see what professional management could mean for your bottom line.
Note: This guide is for informational purposes and should not be treated as legal or tax advice. Regulations change, and we recommend consulting with a local attorney or tax professional for guidance specific to your situation. Last updated March 2026.
