Short Term Rental Laws: Top 10 US Cities

With 50 states, 3,000 counties, and 35,000 cities and towns, America is a big place. There are probably new Airbnb laws popping up somewhere nearly every day. Things will settle down eventually, but until then, vacation rental hosts and owners will want to keep up with the general trend of new short term rental laws emerging across the US. There’s no better place to start than in America’s ten most populous cities.

Note that we are not offering legal advice. This is a fluid area of the law and regulations are changing rapidly. Please conduct your own research and discuss your options with a qualified attorney.

Quick Answers: Short-Term Rental Laws & Taxes

City	Overall Status	Eligibility	Annual Days Rental Cap	Estimated Tax Burden
New York City	Effectively Banned	Host must be present	N/A	14.75%+
Los Angeles	Restricted	Primary residence only	120 days	14%
Chicago	Restricted	Mixed	None	21.4%
Houston	Open	Loose	None	17%
Phoenix	Restricted	Loose	None	13.37%
Philadelphia	Restricted	Mixed	180 days (Limited Lodging only)	15.5%
San Antonio	Restricted	Loose (Type 2)	None	10.75%
San Diego	Heavily Restricted	Limited	20-day max 90-day min (based on tier)	11.75%-13.75%
Dallas	Legal Uncertainty	Enjoined (would ban SFH if allowed)	N/A	13%+
San Jose	Restricted	Primary residence only	180 days (non-hosted)	10%

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#1 New York City Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major shift: Local Law 18 (LL18), enacted September 2023, has effectively banned most short-term rentals in NYC while technically permitting a narrow category of hosted stays
• Registration required: All STR hosts must register with Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) before listing; registration fee ~$145
• Platform verification mandate: Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com must verify active OSE registration before processing any booking (enforced since Sept 5, 2023)
• Multiple Dwelling Law applies: Stays under 30 days in Class A buildings (3+ units) prohibited unless permanent resident is present – this law dates to the 1960s but enforcement is now technology-enabled
• Primary residence requirement: Unit must be host’s primary residence (183+ days/year minimum)
• Host must be present: Host must be physically present during the entire stay for all bookings under 30 days
• Shared space only: “Entire unit” rentals prohibited; must share dwelling as “common household” with unlocked interior doors (guests must have access to kitchen, living areas, etc.)
• Maximum 2 guests: Only 2 paying guests allowed per stay
• Prohibited Buildings List: 21,000+ buildings (as of early 2026) voluntarily added by owners, co-op boards, and condo associations; properties on this list are automatically denied registration
• Rent-regulated units banned: STRs prohibited in all rent-stabilized units and NYCHA housing
• Class B exemption: Licensed hotels and approved transient buildings exempt from registration
• Fines: $1,000–$7,500 per violation for advertising illegal STRs; first lawsuit filed under LL18 in 2025
• Dramatic impact: Active listings plummeted from 38,000+ (early 2023) to ~3,000 registered listings (2026) – a 92% decline
• State registry law (2024/2025): S.885C/A.4130C requires platforms to collect/remit 4% state sales tax plus local taxes; quarterly reporting to NYS Department of State; took effect March 2025
• NYC occupancy fees: $1.50 per unit per day fee (effective March 2025)
• Reform efforts failed: Bills to loosen restrictions for 1-2 family homes (Int 1107 and Int 0948) died in committee December 2025; Mayor Mamdani opposes any loosening
• Also notable: Airbnb and hosts call LL18 a “de facto ban” on STRs | Only 40% of registration applications approved | 30+ day stays (considered long-term) remain legal and don’t require registration | Hotel rates hit record $417/night average (Sept 2025) after STR supply collapsed
• Also notable: The MDL is 161 pages! | NYC’s Office of Special Enforcement is not messing around

#2 Los Angeles Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Home-Sharing Ordinance (HSO) adopted December 2018, enforcement began November 1, 2019. City of LA regulations apply only within city limits; unincorporated LA County and neighboring cities (Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Pasadena, Malibu) have separate ordinances.
• Current regulations:
• Registration required: All hosts must register with LA Department of City Planning and obtain Home-Sharing Registration Number; must be displayed on all listings
• Registration fee: $89 annual fee (some sources report $199; verify with city at time of application)
• Primary residence requirement: Property must be host’s primary residence (live there 183+ days/year minimum); secondary homes, vacation properties, and investment properties ineligible
• 120-day annual cap: Standard permit allows maximum 120 rental days per calendar year (hosted + unhosted combined)
• Extended Home-Sharing option: Allows unlimited days; requires additional $850 review fee (or $5,660 for discretionary review); host must have valid registration with no more than one citation in preceding 3 years
• One registration per host: Cannot register or operate more than one STR at a time within city limits
• Rent-stabilized units prohibited: Properties subject to Rent Stabilization Ordinance (RSO) ineligible for STR registration
• ADU restrictions: Only ADUs with certificate of occupancy issued before January 1, 2017 eligible for home-sharing
• Tenant approval required: Renters must obtain written, notarized landlord approval to host
• Occupancy limits: Maximum 2 guests per bedroom; 10 guests total maximum
• Quiet hours: Amplified sound prohibited after 10 PM; hosts must provide “Code of Conduct” to all guests
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 14% tax on stays 30 days or less (platforms typically collect and remit); hosts must register for TOT certificate
• Per-night enforcement fee: $3.20 per booked night (CPI-adjusted annually from $2.93 base in 2020)
• Senate Bill 346 enforcement (NEW 2026): Platforms (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) must submit detailed monthly reports to LA City Planning by 15th of each month with physical addresses, nights booked, registration status, guest counts
• Automated enforcement: City cross-references platform data against registry to automatically detect violations; 10-day compliance warning, then $2,060/day fines, then listing removal
• Fines: $2,060 per day or double the average nightly rate (whichever is higher) as of February 2026 (CPI-adjusted from $2,000); advertising violations $500/day or double nightly rate
• Platform verification: Platforms must verify valid registration number before allowing listings
• Property owner prohibition option: Landlords and property owners can proactively prohibit home-sharing at their buildings
• Wildfire emergency relief (temporary): LA County temporarily suspended some STR restrictions in unincorporated areas from January 7, 2025 to May 31, 2026 to provide housing for displaced residents
• Also notable: California’s SB 346 (effective Jan 1, 2026) transformed enforcement from complaint-based to automated detection—every booking is now tracked | Nearly half of LA STR listings reportedly non-compliant | Neighboring cities have stricter rules: Santa Monica essentially bans unhosted STRs, requires host presence | City maintains public searchable database of registered properties and citations
• Also notable: This 4-page FAQ breaks it down for you

#3 Chicago Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Shared Housing Ordinance adopted June 2016, enforcement began late 2016. Chicago pioneered a “middle-ground” approach with registration, density caps, and local opt-outs rather than outright bans
• Registration required: All hosts must register with Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) and obtain registration number; must be displayed on all listings
• “Shared housing” defined: Rental of residential dwelling units for 31 days or fewer through online platforms
• Platform approval required: Only approved platforms (Airbnb and VRBO/Homeaway as of 2026) can facilitate bookings; platforms must collect and remit hotel taxes
• Primary residence requirement: Single-family homes and 2-4 unit buildings can only register units that are host’s primary residence (unless granted Commissioner’s Adjustment exemption)
• Building density caps (5+ units): Buildings with 5+ units limited to 25% of total units OR 6 units as STRs, whichever is fewer
• Prohibited Buildings List: Building owners, condo associations, and HOAs can voluntarily add properties to city-maintained list that completely bans all STR activity; 2,000+ buildings on list as of 2020
• Restricted Residential Zones: Precincts can ban new STRs if 25%+ of registered voters sign petition; 52 of 1,069 precincts enrolled as of 2020
• Scofflaw and Problem Landlord Lists: Properties on these city lists ineligible for STR registration
• HOA/rental agreement compliance: Cannot register if building bylaws or rental agreements prohibit STRs; tenants must obtain written landlord approval
• Dwelling unit maximum: Properties limited to 6 or fewer sleeping rooms to qualify
• Insurance requirement: Minimum $1,000,000 commercial general liability coverage required; City of Chicago must be named as additional insured
• Safety requirements: Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and compliance with building/fire codes mandatory
• Monthly reporting requirement (NEW): Hosts must submit monthly reports to BACP including telephone numbers, all STR addresses/wards, nights rented, rent amounts, nights booked ahead, and total taxes paid
• Commissioner’s Adjustment process: Exemption available for non-primary residence STRs in single-family or 2-4 unit buildings with alderman recommendation and neighbor notification
• Shared Housing Surcharge: 4% tax on gross receipts (in addition to other taxes)
• Hotel Accommodation Tax: 17.4% total lodging tax (includes state, county, and city taxes)
• State lodging tax collection (NEW 2026): As of January 6, 2026, platforms required to collect and remit Illinois state lodging taxes
• Fines: $2,500-$10,000 per offense for violations
• License suspension/revocation: Possible for “single egregious condition” or two+ incidents of illegal activity/objectionable conditions within 12 months
• Online intermediary responsibilities: Platforms must maintain records and provide enforcement data to city
• Also notable: Airbnb listings declined 16.4% in first two years after ordinance (2016-2018) | 11,000+ active Airbnb listings in Chicago as of 2024 | Some light reading anyone? | More than 2,300 buildings are prohibited

#4 Houston Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Ordinance No. 2025-322 adopted April 16, 2025 by Houston City Council; effective January 1, 2026. This is Houston’s first citywide STR regulation after years without formal oversight. Registration portal opened August 1, 2025; enforcement began January 1, 2026
• Registration required: All STR operators must obtain Certificate of Registration from Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department; separate certificate required for each STR property
• Annual renewal: Certificates valid for one year; renewal applications accepted up to 90 days before expiration
• Registration fee: $275 application fee + $33.10 administrative fee (2025 rate; administrative fee adjusted annually for CPI)
• “Short-term rental” defined: Dwelling unit or portion rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Exemptions: Boarding homes, hotels, bed & breakfasts, lodging facilities, alternate housing facilities, federal government sleeping accommodations
• Listing requirements: Registration number must be displayed on all online listings and advertisements
• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) compliance: Must register with Houston First Corporation and pay HOT taxes (approximately 13% in Houston area); must provide proof of HOT registration and payment
• Minimum stay: No rental periods less than one night (prohibits hourly rentals)
• Event space prohibition: Cannot advertise or promote STR as event space; cannot host special events (banquets, weddings, receptions, reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, concerts, etc.)
• Occupancy limits: Generally 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests (10-guest maximum); stricter enforcement of formula beginning July 1, 2026
• Noise, safety, and waste disposal: Must comply with all city regulations on noise/sound, safety standards (smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguishers), and waste disposal
• Insurance requirement: Minimum $1,000,000 liability coverage
• Non-transferable certificates: Certificate of registration cannot be transferred; change in ownership requires new application
• Platform delisting deadline: City requested platforms delay removing non-compliant listings until April 1, 2026 (grace period for hosts adjusting to new requirements); platforms must remove listings within 10 business days of city notification after that date
• Public accountability tools: Interactive map of approved STRs, 24-hour hotline for public complaints, list of approved STRs available online
• Fines: $100-$500 per day for operating without valid certificate of registration
• Certificate suspension/revocation: Possible for repeat violations including unlawful advertising, noise complaints, or other non-compliance
• Also notable: 8,500+ STRs operating in Houston as of 2025

#5 Phoenix Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Original STR Ordinance G-6653 passed January 2020 (registration system); upgraded to permit system via Ordinance G-7156 in September 2023. Arizona Senate Bill 1168 (2022) authorized cities to create limited permit/license processes while preventing outright STR bans
• Permit required: All STR operators must obtain short-term rental permit from Planning & Development Department
• Permit fee: $250 initial application (non-refundable) + $250 annual renewal; renewal must be submitted at least 15 days before expiration
• Seven-day approval: City must approve or deny permit within 7 days of receiving complete application
• “Short-term rental” defined: Property rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) license: Must obtain TPT license from Arizona Department of Revenue (state requirement); combined TPT rate in Phoenix totals 12.57% (state + county + city components)
• Maricopa County registration: Property must be registered with Maricopa County Assessor’s Office under A.R.S. § 33-1902
• Liability insurance: Minimum $500,000 coverage required; must provide proof or evidence that listing platform provides equal/greater coverage
• Permit display requirements: Permit must be displayed within 10 feet of primary entrance inside rental; permit number must be displayed on all online listings and advertisements
• Emergency contact: Must provide 24-hour emergency contact able to respond within 30 minutes of request from police, fire, or code enforcement; contact info must be displayed within 10 feet of primary entrance
• Safety equipment: Must maintain working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and portable fire extinguisher in kitchen and areas with open fire sources; must submit map/description showing locations
• Sex offender screening: Owners required to conduct sex offender checks on prospective guests (this is burdensome!)
• Prohibited uses: Cannot be used for non-residential purposes (retail, restaurants, banquet halls, event centers); cannot advertise or host special events (parties, weddings, receptions, etc.)
• ADU prohibition: Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) cannot be used as STRs
• Platform responsibilities: Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms must verify permits before listing; platforms face $2,500/day fines for non-compliant listings
• Enhanced penalty structure: First violation minimum $500 or one night’s rental fee (whichever higher); second violation minimum $1,000 or two nights’ fees; third violation minimum $3,500 or three nights’ fees
• Operating without permit: $1,000 fine per 30-day period of unauthorized operation
• Permit suspension (12 months): Triggered by 3 court-adjudicated violations within 12 months OR one conviction of felonies/serious crimes within 12 months
• Quiet hours: Noise ordinances typically enforce quiet hours starting 10 PM
• Also notable: Arizona state law (Senate Bill 1350, 2016) prevents cities from banning STRs solely due to rental duration but allows health/safety regulations | Phoenix currently has 3,900+ registered STRs | Many HOAs in Phoenix have banned or heavily restricted STRs, especially in townhome/condo communities

#6 Philadelphia Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Bill No. 210081 enacted April 2022, effective January 1, 2023 (updating 2021 regulations). Regulated under Philadelphia Code Title 14-604(13), Chapter 9-3900, Chapter 14-604, Chapter 19-2400.
• “Short-term rental” defined: Lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Two operational categories: Limited Lodging (primary residence, lives there 183+ days/year, rents <180 days annually) OR Visitor Accommodation (non-primary residence)
• Licensing required: All STR operators must obtain (1) Philadelphia Business Tax Account ID, (2) Commercial Activity License (free), (3) Zoning Permit ($189), (4) Either Limited Lodging Operator License ($150 annual) OR Rental License with hotel designation ($69 per unit annual)
• Zoning restrictions: Limited Lodging allowed in most residential zones; Visitor Accommodation only permitted in specific commercial/mixed-use districts (CMX-3, CMX-4, CMX-5, CA-1, CA-2, RMX-1, RMX-2)
• License display: License numbers must be displayed in all rental advertisements
• Virtual inspections: Required during application and renewal (started July 1, 2025)
• Limited Lodging Operator License restrictions: Issued only to natural persons, not LLCs or business entities
• Hotel Tax: 15.5% combined (8.5% city + 6-7% state)
• Net Profits Tax (NPT): 3.75% residents, 3.44% non-residents on rental income
• Contact information: Must provide owner/designee contact to handle complaints
• District-specific restrictions: Limited Lodging prohibited in Society Hill Historic (SMH) Overlay District; 10th Councilmanic District renters cannot obtain licenses unless they own property
• Also notable: Enhanced digital integration and virtual inspections started July 1, 2025 | Enforcement became significantly stricter in 2023

#7 San Antonio Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Original STR ordinance passed November 1, 2018; major amendments approved June 13, 2024 by City Council. Regulated under City Code Chapter 16 Article XXII (licensing) and Chapter 35 (zoning).
• “Short-term rental” defined: Rental of residential dwelling for fewer than 30 consecutive days, not less than 12 hours
• Two permit types: Type 1 (owner-occupied primary residence) OR Type 2 (non-owner-occupied)
• Permit required: All STR operators must obtain permit from Development Services Department (DSD), $300 for 3-years (Type 1), $450 for 3-years (Type 2)
• Application fee: $200 one-time fee regardless of permit type
• Non-transferable: Permits cannot be transferred to another owner, operator, or location
• Type 1 (owner-occupied): No density limitations; owner must reside at property as primary residence
• Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) density caps: Maximum 12.5% of units on block face for single-family/duplex; maximum 12.5% of total units for multi-family developments; only 1 Type 2 rental allowed in multi-family with fewer than 8 units
• ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) restrictions: Owner must reside either at main house or ADU; properties without owner on-site must be zoned to allow multiple dwelling units
• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT): 9% city + 1.75% Bexar County; must collect from guests and remit monthly
• Platform tax collection (NEW 2024): Airbnb, VRBO now required to collect and remit city HOT taxes directly to city
• Platform enforcement (NEW 2024): Platforms must remove listings lacking valid permit numbers
• HOT registration: Must register with City Finance Department for HOT account; payments managed through Avenu Insights (effective July 1, 2023)
• Liability insurance required: Minimum $500,000 per occurrence, $1,000,000 aggregate
• Prohibited uses: Cannot host large events; cannot provide food and beverages to guests; properties that received city housing incentives cannot operate as Type 2 STRs
• Enforcement timeline: Code Enforcement investigates within 3 days of complaint; property owners receive 14 days to address violations before Municipal Court cases filed
• Permit revocation: Can extend up to 3 years for serious violations
• Also notable: 3,164 permitted STRs as of April 2024 (77% Type 2, 23% Type 1)

#8 San Diego Short-Term Rental Laws 2026

• Major framework: Short-Term Residential Occupancy (STRO) Ordinance effective May 1, 2023. Reduced STR inventory from ~13,000 to ~6,500 units through strict licensing caps.
• STRO license required: All STRs must obtain license from City Treasurer; unlawful to operate without license after May 1, 2023
• Four-tier licensing system:
  • Tier 1 (Part-time): 20 days or less per year
  • Tier 2 (Home-sharing): Renting room(s) >20 days/year, owner/permanent resident on-site
  • Tier 3 (Whole-home, excluding Mission Beach): Entire home >20 days/year, owner not on-site
  • Tier 4 (Whole-home, Mission Beach only): Entire home >20 days/year, owner not on-site
• Tier 3 cap: Limited to 1% of city’s housing stock (~5,400 licenses citywide); 896 licenses remaining as of November 2025
• Tier 4 cap: Limited to 30% of Mission Beach housing units (~1,080 licenses)
• One license per host: Host may hold only one license and operate only one dwelling unit at a time
• Non-transferable: Licenses cannot be transferred between owners or locations
• 90-day minimum usage (Tier 3/4): Must rent dwelling minimum 90 days per year or risk license revocation
• No 21-89 day rentals: STRO of 21-89 days/year prohibited; gap between Tier 1 (≤20 days) and Tier 3/4 (≥90 days minimum)
• Lottery system: If applications exceed caps, lottery conducted; “good actors” prioritized (paid TOT, 90+ booking days, no violations for 2 years)
• Quarterly reporting (Tier 3/4): Must submit quarterly utilization reports to city
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) certificate: Required; no cost to obtain; must be current on TOT compliance
• Rental Unit Business Tax (RUBT): Must be current; if host not owner, must obtain Business Tax Certificate and remit annually
• No pending enforcement actions: Applications not processed for properties with pending City code violations
• Safety equipment: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers required
• Good Neighbor policy: Must inform guests of noise ordinances; excessive noise, disturbances, parties prohibited
• Parking: Must provide on-site parking or viable parking solutions per Municipal Code
• Signage: Required signage must be visible from sidewalk and maintained in good condition
• Platform requirements: Platforms must display valid license numbers; city cross-references platform listings with license database
• Live/work units: Only residential “live” portion can be used for STRO if permanent resident; cannot use “work” portion
• Also notable: Application period opened October 3, 2022; Tier 3/4 applications closed November 30, 2022; lottery held December 16, 2022 | Mission Beach receives exception due to popularity with vacationers | Tier 4 waitlist available

#9 Dallas Vacation Rental Rules

• Major framework: Two ordinances passed June 14, 2023 creating “Short-term rental lodging” use category (Chapters 51 and 51A) and annual registration requirements (Chapter 42B); temporary injunction issued December 6, 2023 prohibits enforcement of both ordinances; city appealed to Texas Supreme Court. Despite injunction, city continues enforcing existing ordinances on property standards, noise, private nuisances, and hotel occupancy tax.
• “Short-term rental” defined: Rental of dwelling for fewer than 30 consecutive days or one month (whichever less)
• ENJOINED (not currently enforceable): Non-owner-occupied STRs banned in single-family residential zones (R-1 to R-7.5); allowed in multi-family, commercial, mixed-use zones where hotels permitted
• ENJOINED: Annual registration required through MUNIRevs portal (dallas.munirevs.com); registration number must be posted inside property and included in all listings
• ENJOINED: Maximum 12 guests; maximum 3 guests per bedroom
• ENJOINED: 2-night minimum stay required
• ENJOINED: Minimum $500,000 liability insurance required
• ENJOINED: Multi-family density restrictions; platform accountability requirements; no grandfathering for existing STRs
• ENJOINED: 24/7 local emergency contact required
• ACTIVELY ENFORCED: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) 7% city + 6% state; must collect from guests and remit; must register with Texas Comptroller and City of Dallas
• ACTIVELY ENFORCED: Minimum property standards compliance; noise ordinance adherence; private nuisance avoidance; proper property maintenance
• Enforcement: Code Compliance Services investigates complaints, conducts audits; graduated fine system with escalating costs for repeat violations; city uses booking platform data and public reports
• Multi-family requirements: Property owners must sign affidavits acknowledging responsibility for ensuring no unregistered STRs operate
• Also notable: If Texas Supreme Court lifts injunction, enjoined ordinances could take effect with minimal notice | Estimated 95% of existing STR supply would be eliminated if single-family ban implemented | Dallas Short-Term Rental Alliance (DSTRA) actively fighting restrictions through legal challenges

#10 San Jose Airbnb Laws

• Major framework: San Jose Municipal Code Title 20, Section 20.80 (Part 2.5) regulates “incidental transient occupancy” (short-term rentals); notably does not require special STR permit or public registry; hosts must register business and comply with business tax, zoning, and TOT requirements
• “Short-term rental” defined: Rental of fewer than 30 consecutive days
• Primary residence required: Property must be host’s primary residence; must live there minimum 60 consecutive days annually; proof required (government ID, utility bills, voter registration, tax returns)
• 180-day annual cap: Non-hosted rentals (host not present) limited to 180 nights per year; hosted rentals (host present) have no day limit
• One property per host: Can only operate STR at primary residence; no additional properties allowed
• Business registration required: Must register with city and obtain Business Tax Certificate before operating; certificate must be displayed at property
• Business tax: Base rate approximately $195 annually
• Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT): 10% combined rate (6% under Chapter 4.72 + 4% under Chapter 4.74); applies to stays under 30 days; Airbnb and VRBO collect/remit automatically but host remains responsible for compliance verification
• Occupancy limits: Studio: 2 people max; 1-bedroom: 3 people max; 2+ bedrooms: 3 people plus 2 per additional bedroom; overall maximum 10 transient occupants; when host present at single-family home: 3 transient occupants max
• Local contact required: Must designate local contact person who can respond to issues within one hour
• Recordkeeping: Must maintain 3-year records including TOT payment documentation, compliance records (rental caps, occupancy caps), guest stay information; must provide upon request by City Manager, attorney, or auditor
• ADUs prohibited: Accessory dwelling units cannot be used as STRs
• Safety requirements: Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire safety compliance, parking compliance, noise ordinance adherence
• Enforcement: Complaint-driven; non-compliance can result in immediate termination of STR operation; platform monitoring; fines for violations
• Also notable: No special STR permit required unlike most major cities | No zoning district restrictions (allowed citywide in permitted property types) | Private restrictions (HOA, CC&Rs, leases) can prohibit STRs even when city allows

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When we first published this list of STR regulations back in 2019, half of the cities on the list had no meaningful regulations at all. Things look very different now. Every one of the top 10 cities in the country has now either already enacted substantial regulations or is fighting in court to do so. In nearly all cases, the regulatory regimes these cities are putting in place are quite complicated and typically include annual caps, heavy tax and safety compliance burdens, convoluted appeal processes, zoning exemptions, and all sorts of other nuances.

If nothing else, the patchwork of Airbnb laws emerging across the US reinforces the fact that real estate is still a local business, even in an age of Big Tech and global “connection.” If you think you have the stomach to own and operate an urban short-term rental in one of the cities on this list, all we can say is good luck.