Executive Summary
Las Vegas short-term rental owners have filed a federal lawsuit challenging the county's restrictive regulations, Los Angeles County is cracking down on unregistered rentals following a recent fatality, while Ocean City, New Jersey, considers a 3% booking tax that would directly eat into profits. Annapolis, Maryland, may cap new licenses at 10% per block in historic areas, locking out future investors while grandfathering existing operators. Manistee, Michigan, has hard-capped rentals at 165 units citywide with mandatory inspections, creating scarcity for early movers. Jamaica threatens hefty fines and imprisonment for unregistered operators, making compliance critical for international investors.
New Regulations
Los Angeles, California
Published: July 6, 2025
Regulation Category: Enforcement, Licensing
Summary: Los Angeles County is intensifying enforcement of its October 2024 short-term rental ordinance, requiring registration and imposing penalties for non-compliance, which could increase operational risks for investors. The push, led by Hilda L. Solis, responds to community concerns and a recent fatality at an unregistered rental, potentially affecting profitability.
Source: Solis Moves to Strengthen Enforcement of Los Angeles County Short-Term Rental Ordinance
Manistee, Michigan
Published: July 3, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Manistee City Council approved a short-term rental ordinance limiting non-exempt rentals to 165 units, requiring registration, inspections, and fees, which could constrain new investments. The ordinance aims to balance economic benefits with community concerns, with further refinements expected.
Source: Manistee City Council supports short-term rental ordinance
Developing Regulations
Las Vegas, Nevada
Published: July 1, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Short-term rental owners in Las Vegas are challenging Clark County's regulations, including a lottery system limiting licenses to 1% of housing units, mandatory business licenses, and warrantless searches, which significantly restrict operations. The lawsuit, filed by the Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association, argues these rules infringe on property rights and favor hotels, creating uncertainty for investors.
Source: Las Vegas short-term rental owners file federal lawsuit against Clark County
Ocean City, New Jersey
Published: June 26, 2025
Regulation Category: Tax
Summary: Ocean City is considering a 3% local tax on short-term rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, which could increase operating costs for investors. The ordinance, introduced on June 26, 2025, aims to generate revenue from the growing short-term rental market but is still under consideration.
Source: Jersey Shore city considers local tax on Airbnb and Vrbo rentals
Annapolis, Maryland
Published: July 1, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: Annapolis is proposing legislation to cap new short-term rental licenses on blocks where they exceed 10% of homes, potentially limiting investment opportunities in historic areas. Existing licenses will be grandfathered, allowing current operators to continue but restricting new entrants.
Source: Airbnbs are taking over historic Annapolis streets. The city wants to rein them in.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Published: July 3, 2025
Regulation Category: Enforcement, Licensing
Summary: Steamboat Springs City Council will review its strict short-term rental enforcement policy on August 5, 2025, following criticism over immediate court summonses and heavy fines without warnings. Investors may face a more lenient enforcement approach, but changes could affect compliance costs and operational risks.
Source: After community uproar, council to tackle controversial STR enforcement policy early next month
Jamaica
Published: July 3, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: A proposed Jamaican bill requires Airbnb operators to register with the Jamaica Tourist Board, with hefty fines and possible imprisonment for non-compliance, potentially increasing regulatory costs for investors. Debates have been suspended for stakeholder consultations, and the bill's fate depends on upcoming elections.
Source: Airbnb jitters: Golding sounds alarm as new bill threatens massive fines, sanctions for unregistered tourist accommodations