Executive Summary
This week brings sharp restrictions in multiple U.S. markets: Monterey County, California, voted to ban short-term rentals outright in unincorporated residential areas, leaving only commercial zones and agricultural operations viable, while Columbia, South Carolina, now limits new STRs to commercial districts or residential properties on major four-lane roads, effectively shutting down expansion in typical neighborhoods. Riverside, Missouri, approved new STR regulations requiring annual permits, safety equipment, tourism tax collection at hotel rates, and two-year record-keeping starting February 1, 2026. Brisbane, Australia, is imposing new permit requirements and fees ahead of the 2032 Olympics, causing some hosts to abandon further investments. On the positive side, Wyandotte County, Kansas, is considering a temporary moratorium on Special Use Permits from May through August 2026 to accommodate World Cup demand, suspending the one-rental-per-block limit. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs proposed a $3.50 nightly fee statewide to fund affordable housing programs, while Summit County, Utah, launched a complaint hotline and is collecting data that may inform future restrictions in the Park City area.
New Regulations
Monterey County, California
Published: January 8, 2026
Regulation Category: Zoning, licensing/operations (ban in certain areas)
Summary: Monterey County Supervisors voted 3-2 on January 6, 2026, to enact an ordinance banning short-term rentals in unincorporated residential areas (while allowing them in commercial zones and agricultural operations) to mitigate risks from an ongoing lawsuit challenging prior rules on constitutional grounds. This major restriction significantly limits STR opportunities in residential zones for investors, potentially causing revenue losses, though limited allowances remain in non-residential areas.
Source: Monterey County Supervisors Back STR Ban to Avoid Lawsuit
Columbia, South Carolina
Published: January 7, 2026
Regulation Category: Zoning, occupancy/location restrictions
Summary: Columbia City Council unanimously approved restrictions limiting new short-term rentals to commercial and mixed-use districts or residential properties on major arterial, minor arterial, or collector roads with at least four through lanes, effectively blocking most new STRs in typical residential neighborhoods. STR investors should note that this major tightening—driven by safety concerns including a prior shooting incident—severely curtails expansion in residential areas, though existing operations may be grandfathered depending on full details.
Source: Columbia City Council passes changes to short-term rental ordinance
Riverside, Missouri
Published: January 9, 2026
Regulation Category: Licensing, occupancy/operations, tax, safety/zoning standards
Summary: Riverside aldermen unanimously approved a new STR ordinance effective February 1, 2026, requiring annual permits, registration numbers on listings, off-street parking, safety equipment (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting), tourism tax collection at hotel rates, emergency contact posting, and two-year record-keeping, while prohibiting use as party venues or event spaces with suspension possible for violations. STR investors in this area near Arrowhead Stadium can continue operating under these baseline standards, which provide clarity for the World Cup influx but add compliance costs for safety, taxes, and documentation.
Source: Riverside votes to approve short-term rental regulations ahead of World Cup
Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Published: January 8, 2026
Regulation Category: Licensing, fees/tax
Summary: Brisbane City Council is imposing new permit requirements and additional fees on short-stay rental operators in preparation for the 2032 Olympic Games, leading some experienced hosts to reconsider or abandon further investments in the area due to increased costs. STR investors face higher operational expenses and potential reduced viability, prompting reassessment of Brisbane properties as "money-grabbing" measures take effect.
Source: Brisbane Airbnb rules: New fees, permits imposed by council ahead of 2032 Olympic Games
Developing Regulations
Summit County, Utah
Published: January 11, 2026
Regulation Category: Licensing, enforcement (complaint handling), potential new regulations
Summary: Summit County is launching a dedicated short-term rental complaint hotline and reviving a subcommittee to oversee STR regulations as part of its 2026 housing goals, while leveraging new 2025 licensing software to collect data that will inform potential future rules. STR investors should monitor this closely, as the data-driven approach may lead to additional restrictions or requirements in an area with high STR density, particularly in Park City.
Source: Short-term rental complaint hotline coming to Summit County
Arizona (statewide)
Published: January 9, 2026
Regulation Category: Tax
Summary: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has proposed a new $3.50 nightly fee on short-term rentals (such as Airbnb and Vrbo) to fund the Arizona Affordability Fund, aimed at supporting utility assistance, housing affordability, and related programs for residents. For STR investors, this statewide proposal (requiring legislative approval) would add a per-night cost passed to guests, potentially affecting pricing competitiveness and revenue, though details on exemptions or final implementation remain pending.
Source: Hobbs Proposes Short-Term Rental Tax
Wyandotte County, Kansas
Published: January 9, 2026
Regulation Category: Licensing, permitting (temporary changes)
Summary: Wyandotte County is considering a temporary moratorium on Special Use Permit requirements for short-term rentals from May 1 to August 30, 2026 (with some adjustments proposed to July 31), shifting to a simpler administrative licensing process to facilitate hosting during the World Cup, while suspending the one-rental-per-block limit. STR investors could benefit from easier operations and more properties during this high-demand period, but should watch for final approval in February 2026 and any enforcement conditions.
Source: Wyandotte County considers looser short-term rental rules for World Cup
Tybee Island, Georgia
Published: January 7, 2026
Regulation Category: Licensing, tax, enforcement/inspections
Summary: Property owners (via Tybee Alliance) are suing Tybee Island over its short-term vacation rental ordinance, challenging requirements for annual permit renewals, occupational tax certificates, and complaint-based city inspections, arguing STVRs are residential and protected from such rules under Georgia law. A favorable ruling could reduce burdens for STR investors by eliminating permits, taxes, and inspections without cause, while a city win would maintain current licensing and oversight obligations.
Source: Property owners sue over Tybee Island short-term rental rules