Short-Term Rental Regulations: April 21

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Each week, we’ll be sharing the latest news on STR regulation from around the country to inform your search for the next best property. Here are this week’s highlights:

A Mixed Bag This Week…

The regulation of short-term rentals has become a controversial issue among municipalities and states nationwide. It has caught the attention of several governing bodies, who recognize the potential financial benefits of the STR market through occupancy taxes and permitting fees. Here are some recent optimistic and concerning developments from Illinois, South Carolina, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts that will be helpful as you consider your own investment opportunities.

• Decatur imposes hotel tax on Airbnb, VRBO rentals. City Council approved an ordinance imposing the city’s 8% hotel/motel tax on short-term rentals in city limits. It also requires owners to obtain a license from the city that must be annually renewed at a rate of $25.
• Columbia short-term rentals will need to get permits under newly approved city rules. Starting May 4, STRs will need to apply for a permit to operate. In addition, the annual permits, renewed on July 1, come with a $50 application fee, a $100 fee for units the owner(s) also lives in, and $250 for otherwise vacant properties.
• Vacation rental regulation bill books final senate stop in Florida. A legislative attempt at giving cities and countries more control over short-term rentals is moving to its final Senate committee stop. The bill would undo a 2011 preemption for counties and cities to ban STRs - to a degree. 
• Erie City Council OKs new regulations for Airbnb, other short-term rentals. The city now has specific rules in place regarding where STRs are permitted. The Council voted in favor of ordinance changes that put new restrictions on home and apartment rentals leased for 30 or fewer consecutive days in certain neighborhoods. 
• Amherst Council OKs zoning change for short-term rentals in residential areas by permit. Town Council approved a zoning ordinance change that allows STRs through a special use permit in residential-zoned areas. Owners are required to have a town business license and pay lodging tax among other policy measures.

Want More?

Bid for ‘balance’ for short-term vacation rentals remains alive in 2023 session. Amid moratorium, Covington residents offer split opinions on city’s short-term rental boom. Some Texas legislators want a task force on short-term rentals. Proposed bill that would allow state to overrule cities in North Texas on short-term rental rules altered after debate.

We know how hard it is to keep track of state, county, and city regulations, especially given how often these guidelines change. Keyturn can help you navigate the entire investment process from sourcing to purchasing and managing. Subscribe to our newsletter here to learn more and receive weekly updates on new STR regulations and market trends.