Hosts act as secret weapon to fight new STR rules

In the fight against state and local regulations, short-term rental companies like Airbnb and Vrbo have a secret weapon: hosts. 

Across the county, STRs are facing new rules on everything from permitting and taxes to parking and pools. But the companies aren’t standing idley by. 

Instead, they are helping hosts advocate politically in the form of financial backing or organizational support. Through letter-writing campaigns, community meetings and statehouse visits, advocacy groups are making their opposition to new STR regulations known. In Vermont, the governor recently vetoed a bill to restrict STRs. And in Colorado, advocates similarly killed a bill that would have quadrupled property taxes on STRs. 

In other states the fight rages on. New York homeowners who relied on renting vacant units on Airbnb or Vrbo to make ends meet say they could lose their homes due to the city’s new ban on STRs. A new group has formed, known as Restore Homeowner Autonomy and Rights, to push back on Local Law 18, which requires hosts to book reservations for only fewer than 30 days and to be present on the property during stays. RHOAR members have met with the mayor and more than 30 members of the city council to plead for changes to the law. 

Below, please find Property Guard's weekly short term rental regulation round-up, highlighting state and local news regarding short term rental regulations to regulate (or prohibit) Airbnbs and other STRs. If you want a comprehensive data solution on STR regulations in all 20,000 state and local jurisdictions, contact us here.

New and Proposed Regulations:

• New York: State legislators agreed to a statewide registry for STRs – with homeowners required to register every two years – and new occupancy tax. (link)
• Arizona: The Grand Canyon State’s highest court has upheld a lower court ruling that homeowners associations cannot ban STRs. (link) 
• West Lampeter, Pennsylvania: Officials passed a new ordinance with guidelines for STR owners related to location limitations, permitting standards and more. (link) 
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: City officials shot down a proposal that would have placed new rules on STRs. (link) 
• Santa Barbara, California: Groups are pushing back on county officials wanting to bump the transient occupancy tax from 12% to 14%. (link) 
• Warren County, North Carolina: Officials unanimously approved a new 5% occupancy tax on STRs covering everything from houses to houseboats, tents, yurts and train cabooses. (link)

Other Noteworthy News:

• Registry woes: Legislators in Saratoga Springs, New York are pushing to create a statewide roster to track STRs for tax-collection purposes. (link) 
• Business travel: More companies are allowing their employees to book vacation rentals while traveling for business. (link)
• Uncle Sam strategy: Booking.com is tapping into demand from American travelers for STRs. (link)