Executive Summary
California continues its aggressive crackdown on short-term rentals with Monterey County completely banning commercial vacation rentals in Big Sur and Carmel Highlands while capping all other STRs at just 4% of housing stock - a move that could force property sales in these premium coastal markets. National City (San Diego area) joins the trend with criminal background checks for operators, a hard cap of 180 STRs citywide, and a hefty 10% occupancy tax that will significantly impact profits. Santa Cruz County locked in a 270-permit ceiling for non-hosted rentals with one-permit-per-person limits, effectively ending expansion opportunities for multi-property investors. Western Australia's January 1, 2026 deadline for development approvals on unhosted rentals operating over 90 nights creates urgent compliance pressure, though a $10,000 conversion incentive to long-term rentals signals government intent. On the positive side, New York City's proposed Intro 1107 could unlock single and two-family homes for up to four adult guests without owner presence.
New Regulations
Monterey, California
Published: August 21, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning, Occupancy
Summary: The California Coastal Commission approved Monterey County's amendment, banning commercial vacation rentals in Big Sur and Carmel Highlands and capping short-term rentals at 4% of single-family housing in unincorporated areas. This significantly restricts investment opportunities for short-term rental operators in these coastal regions, potentially forcing property sales.
Source: California Coastal Commission approves Monterey County short term rental amendment
Western Australia
Published: August 24, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Western Australia's new regulations require unhosted short-term rentals operating over 90 nights per year to obtain development approvals by January 1, 2026, and introduce a mandatory STRA register. Investors may benefit from a $10,000 incentive to convert to long-term rentals but face increased oversight and compliance costs.
Source: Short-term rental owners warned time to get planning approval running out
National City, California
Published: August 22, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Tax, Zoning
Summary: National City's new ordinance bans short-term rental operators with serious criminal records, caps STRs at 180 citywide, requires a $250 annual permit fee, and imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax. Investors must reside in or near the city and face a 90-day rental limit if living elsewhere, significantly impacting STR operations.
Source: Criminal records could block short-term rentals in National City
Santa Cruz County, California
Published: August 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Santa Cruz County approved a 270-permit cap for non-hosted short-term rentals and strengthened enforcement against unpermitted listings, with new rules like one permit per person/parcel and density limits. Investors face restricted expansion opportunities but existing permits remain unaffected.
Source: Short-term rental reforms, housing committee updates get the nod from Santa Cruz County supervisors
Developing Regulations
New York City, New York
Published: August 21, 2025
Regulation Category: Occupancy
Summary: Proposed legislation (Intro 1107) in New York City would allow owners of one or two-family homes to rent to up to four adults plus children without being present, potentially expanding STR opportunities. This bill could ease current restrictions but faces uncertain approval.
Source: Community Groups Host Jackson Heights Rally in Support of Airbnb Bill That Would Expand City's Short-Term Rentals
Yellow Springs, Ohio
Published: August 19, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning, Licensing
Summary: Yellow Springs is reviewing its short-term rental regulations to address clustering, maintaining strict rules like a 500-foot separation between STRs and prohibiting non-owner-occupied rentals. Investors should note the high $2,000 annual fee for non-owner-occupied STRs and $100 for owner-occupied ones, with potential for further restrictions.
Source: Planning Commission considers Airbnb changes to 'prevent clustering'
Shakopee, Minnesota
Published: August 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Occupancy
Summary: Shakopee is considering new regulations for short-term rentals due to resident complaints about overcrowding and parties. Investors should monitor developments as specific rules are undefined but could impose operational restrictions.
Source: Shakopee considers new rules for Airbnb hosts amid complaints
British Columbia, Canada
Published: August 3, 2023
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: A class action lawsuit in British Columbia alleges Airbnb operates without proper licensing under real estate, travel, and money services regulations, with the court rejecting Airbnb's request to pause proceedings. Investors should be cautious as this could lead to stricter licensing requirements impacting operations.
Source: BC Court of Appeal denies Airbnb's bid to pause class action proceedings pending appeal
Montgomery, Alabama
Published: August 21, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Montgomery is considering regulations for Airbnb rentals, including stricter background checks, annual inspections, and better communication with owners to address issues like parties and safety. Investors should prepare for potential operational changes as the city council's commerce committee discusses these measures.
Source: Szymanski Raises Concerns Over Airbnb Rentals in Montgomery
Paradise Township, Pennsylvania
Published: August 21, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: Paradise Township tabled a proposed short-term rental ordinance to gather more public input, with concerns about STRs reducing long-term housing availability. Investors should monitor future town hall discussions as regulations could limit STR operations in this tourist-heavy area.
Source: Paradise Township supervisors table short-term rental ordinance in tourist-heavy area
Ludlow, Vermont
Published: August 19, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Tax
Summary: Ludlow is considering a short-term rental registry with fees of $300 for hosted and $600 for unhosted STRs, prompting concerns from operators about costs driving out small-scale renters. Investors should note potential impacts on profitability and market dynamics if large corporations dominate due to high fees.
Source: Ludlow Holds Rental Registry Hearing