Short-Term Rental & Airbnb Regulations: By City / State

Airbnb Regulations by City:

Understanding short-term rental regulations and Airbnb Regulations are crucial for anyone delving into this rapidly growing sector of the real estate market. From homeowners to investors, and from property management companies to guests, everyone benefits from a solid grasp of the rules that govern this industry.

Let’s delve into the intricate world of these regulations, guided by the expertise of the National Association of Short-Term Rental Managers (NASTRM). Feel free to ask short-term rental property management companies about their experiences or input.

Airbnb Regulations by State:

Short-term rental regulations are not just a set of laws; they’re a necessary framework for maintaining a balanced, fair, and thriving marketplace. By setting clear boundaries and expectations, they help protect property owners, guests, and the community at large. NASTRM plays a pivotal role in shaping and disseminating information about these regulations, fostering transparency and trust within the industry. 

Short-term rental (STR) regulations vary significantly across the United States. Understanding the laws in your state is crucial for compliance and ensuring a smooth operation for your rental property. This guide explores the key rules, restrictions, and licensing requirements for short-term rentals in each state.


Alabama

Alabama allows local governments to regulate short-term rentals. Cities like Birmingham and Gulf Shores have strict zoning requirements and licensing mandates. Gulf Shores, for instance, requires a business license and compliance with occupancy limits.


Alaska

Alaska has limited statewide regulations. However, Anchorage requires STR hosts to register and collect bed taxes. Rural areas may have fewer restrictions, but it’s wise to check with local municipalities.


Arizona

Arizona prohibits local bans on short-term rentals. However, hosts must register with the Arizona Department of Revenue for tax purposes and comply with occupancy limits and noise ordinances. Scottsdale and Sedona enforce strict nuisance and safety standards.


Arkansas

Arkansas has minimal statewide regulations. However, cities like Fayetteville and Hot Springs require business licenses and mandate tax collection. Zoning laws may vary locally.


California

California’s regulations are among the most diverse. Cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have stringent rules, including registration, caps on rental days, and mandatory transient occupancy tax collection. Santa Monica bans most short-term rentals unless the host resides on-site.


Colorado

Colorado’s short-term rental laws vary by municipality. Denver requires hosts to obtain a short-term rental license and comply with primary residence requirements. Mountain towns like Aspen and Vail impose occupancy limits and require tax collection.


Connecticut

Connecticut does not have statewide STR regulations. Local municipalities, such as Stamford and New Haven, may have their own zoning and licensing requirements.


Delaware

Delaware requires hosts to collect lodging taxes. Cities like Rehoboth Beach enforce seasonal restrictions and limit the number of guests based on property size.


Florida

Florida allows STRs but permits local governments to regulate them. Popular destinations like Miami Beach enforce strict zoning laws, registration requirements, and noise ordinances. Hosts must also collect and remit tourist development taxes.


Georgia

Georgia requires hosts to collect state lodging taxes. Cities like Savannah mandate registration and compliance with zoning laws. Atlanta has additional requirements, such as a short-term rental license.


Hawaii

Hawaii imposes some of the nation’s strictest STR regulations. Hosts must comply with zoning laws, with many areas only allowing STRs in designated resort zones. Honolulu County caps short-term rentals at 30 days and requires extensive registration.


Idaho

Idaho has minimal statewide STR regulations. However, cities like Boise require registration and enforce occupancy limits. Tax collection is mandatory.


Illinois

Illinois mandates tax collection for STRs. Chicago has detailed regulations, including licensing, occupancy limits, and requirements for noise and guest conduct.


Indiana

Indiana prohibits local bans on short-term rentals but allows municipalities to enforce registration and zoning requirements. Indianapolis requires STR hosts to register with the city.


Iowa

Iowa has no statewide STR laws, but local governments can regulate. Des Moines and Iowa City require registration and tax compliance.


Kansas

Kansas has limited statewide regulations. Cities like Wichita require STR hosts to register and adhere to zoning laws.


Kentucky

Kentucky requires STR hosts to collect and remit state lodging taxes. Louisville enforces zoning laws and requires a registration permit for STR properties.


Louisiana

Louisiana requires STR hosts to collect lodging taxes. New Orleans enforces strict regulations, including permitting, primary residence requirements, and zoning restrictions.


Maine

Maine allows municipalities to regulate STRs. Portland has stringent rules, including registration and limits on non-owner-occupied rentals.


Maryland

Maryland mandates tax collection for STRs. Baltimore requires licensing and compliance with zoning laws. Ocean City has additional seasonal restrictions.


Massachusetts

Massachusetts requires STR hosts to register with the state and collect lodging taxes. Local municipalities, like Boston, enforce strict regulations, including inspection requirements and rental caps.


Michigan

Michigan has no statewide STR laws but allows local governments to regulate. Traverse City and Ann Arbor impose registration and zoning restrictions.


Minnesota

Minnesota mandates tax collection for STRs. Popular areas like Minneapolis and Duluth require licensing and compliance with local ordinances.


Mississippi

Mississippi has minimal statewide regulations. Local governments, like Jackson and Gulfport, may impose registration and tax requirements.


Missouri

Missouri requires tax collection for STRs. Cities like St. Louis and Kansas City have licensing requirements and enforce zoning laws.


Montana

Montana mandates lodging tax collection for STRs but has no statewide restrictions. Local municipalities, such as Bozeman, may have additional requirements.


Nebraska

Nebraska has limited statewide regulations. Cities like Omaha require registration and compliance with zoning laws.


Nevada

Nevada allows STRs but enforces strict rules in areas like Las Vegas, including licensing, occupancy limits, and minimum stay requirements.


New Hampshire

New Hampshire mandates tax collection for STRs. Local municipalities, like Portsmouth, may impose additional licensing and zoning requirements.


New Jersey

New Jersey requires STR hosts to collect lodging taxes. Cities like Jersey City enforce licensing and zoning laws, including restrictions on non-owner-occupied rentals.


New Mexico

New Mexico mandates tax collection for STRs. Santa Fe requires hosts to register and comply with occupancy and zoning rules.


New York

New York has some of the strictest STR laws, particularly in New York City. Rentals under 30 days are prohibited unless the host resides on-site. Registration and compliance with fire safety codes are mandatory.


North Carolina

North Carolina requires STR hosts to collect lodging taxes. Asheville enforces strict zoning laws and occupancy limits. Other cities, like Charlotte, have less restrictive policies.


North Dakota

North Dakota has minimal statewide regulations. Local governments, like Fargo, may impose additional requirements.


Ohio

Ohio mandates tax collection for STRs. Columbus and Cincinnati require licensing and compliance with zoning laws.


Oklahoma

Oklahoma has limited statewide regulations. Cities like Oklahoma City require registration and enforce zoning laws.


Oregon

Oregon requires tax collection for STRs. Cities like Portland have detailed regulations, including licensing, inspection requirements, and occupancy limits.


Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania mandates tax collection for STRs. Philadelphia requires registration and compliance with zoning and fire safety codes.


Rhode Island

Rhode Island requires tax collection for STRs. Cities like Newport enforce licensing and occupancy rules.


South Carolina

South Carolina mandates tax collection for STRs. Charleston has strict zoning and registration requirements, while other areas are less regulated.


South Dakota

South Dakota requires tax collection for STRs. Local municipalities, like Rapid City, may have additional licensing requirements.


Tennessee

Tennessee requires tax collection for STRs. Nashville enforces strict regulations, including licensing, zoning restrictions, and caps on non-owner-occupied rentals.


Texas

Texas mandates tax collection for STRs. Cities like Austin enforce registration and zoning laws, while others, like Houston, have fewer restrictions.


Utah

Utah allows local governments to regulate STRs. Park City requires licensing, tax compliance, and adherence to occupancy limits.


Vermont

Vermont mandates tax collection for STRs. Burlington requires registration and compliance with local zoning laws.


Virginia

Virginia requires tax collection for STRs. Cities like Virginia Beach enforce licensing and zoning laws.


Washington

Washington mandates tax collection for STRs. Seattle requires licensing, tax compliance, and adherence to safety standards.


West Virginia

West Virginia has minimal statewide regulations. Local municipalities, like Charleston, may have additional requirements.


Wisconsin

Wisconsin mandates tax collection for STRs. Madison requires registration and compliance with zoning and safety codes.


Wyoming

Wyoming has minimal statewide regulations. Local governments, like Jackson, may enforce licensing and tax requirements.


Final Thoughts

Navigating short-term rental regulations requires understanding the specific rules in your state and city. Always check with local governments for the most up-to-date information. Staying compliant not only protects your property but also ensures a positive hosting experience for you and your guests.

Airbnb Laws and New Airbnb Rules

One of the primary challenges in understanding short-term rental regulations is the variability from one locale to another. These laws can differ significantly from city to city, and state to state. Therefore, it’s essential to research and understand the specific laws applicable to your property’s location.

NASTRM provides resources and guidance to help navigate this complex regulatory landscape, ensuring compliance and peace of mind for rental owners and managers. The best place to see the current regulations are on a city’s own dedicated website such as: STR Short-Term Rentals (columbus.gov)

Airbnb Legality

The balance between regulation and opportunity is a delicate one. While short-term rental regulations protect stakeholders, they should not stifle the entrepreneurial spirit of short-term rental owners. NASTRM actively advocates for fair and balanced laws that protect everyone’s interests while promoting a vibrant and profitable short-term rental market.

Airbnb License Requirements

With the short-term rental market evolving at a rapid pace, so too are the regulations governing it. It’s crucial to stay abreast of the changes and trends impacting these laws. NASTRM, as a leading authority in this industry, is an invaluable resource for staying informed and prepared for the future of short-term rental regulations.

Airbnb Regulations Conclusion:

Understanding and complying with short-term rental regulations can seem daunting. However, with the right knowledge and resources, it’s a manageable and worthwhile endeavor. Remember, NASTRM is here to guide and support you through the complex world of short-term rental laws, helping you turn regulatory challenges into opportunities for success.

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