Executive Summary
Oklahoma City just slammed hosts with a massive fee hike from $300 to $1,100 for licenses, while Kansas City, Missouri, is actually cutting tax burdens ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Cities in Louisiana, Minnesota, and Washington are all facing federal lawsuits challenging outright STR bans, with outcomes that could either open new markets or cement prohibitions. Maui is moving to eliminate roughly 6,000 short-term rentals from apartment-zoned areas, potentially wiping out entire investment portfolios, while South Lake Tahoe just reopened permits after overturning previous restrictions. Athens, Greece extended its new permit ban through 2026, freezing out new investors but protecting existing operators. Dona Ana County, New Mexico adds a 5% lodgers' tax with July enforcement, and Panama City, Florida actually reduced fees while ramping up safety inspections that could hit non-compliant properties with $1,000 fines.
New Regulations
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Published: June 20, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: The Oklahoma City Council has significantly increased short-term rental license fees from $300 to $1,100, impacting Airbnb and VRBO operators. This change, coupled with new software to identify unlicensed hosts, may financially burden investors and deter non-compliance.
Source: Big fee increase for short term rental licenses
Kansas City, Missouri
Published: June 21, 2025
Regulation Category: Tax
Summary: Jackson County passed an ordinance preventing short-term rentals from being reclassified as commercial properties, reducing tax burdens for owners ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This temporary measure aims to increase housing availability but will be reassessed post-event.
Source: Jackson County makes short-term rentals cheaper for World Cup
South Lake Tahoe, California
Published: June 20, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: South Lake Tahoe has reopened short-term rental permits following the overturn of Measure T, with an initial application period for prior permittees. New regulations amend vacation home rental rules, potentially easing restrictions for investors but requiring compliance with updated standards.
Source: South Lake Tahoe opens short-term rental permits after Measure T overturned
Panama City, Florida
Published: June 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: Bay County revised its short-term rental fee structure, reducing registration update fees from $100 to $35 and requiring inspection certifications for safety compliance. Non-compliant owners face fines up to $1,000, but leniency is offered for those attempting to comply.
Source: Bay County fixing fee and fine structure for short-term rental owners
Minnesota
Published: June 17, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: Federal lawsuits challenge Apple Valley and Bloomington's bans on short-term rentals, claiming they violate the Fifth Amendment by restricting property use without compensation. Investors should monitor the litigation, as outcomes could impact rental operations and set legal precedents.
Source: Apple Valley, Bloomington sued over ban on short-term rentals
Athens, Greece
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: Athens has extended its ban on new short-term rental permits in the city center until 2026, limiting new Airbnb and VRBO operations. Existing operators are unaffected, but investors seeking new licenses face significant barriers.
Source: Short-Term Rental Ban for Athens Center Extended to 2026
Dona Ana County, New Mexico
Regulation Category: Licensing, Tax
Summary: Dona Ana County is enforcing short-term rental registration and imposing a 5% lodgers' tax effective April 8, 2025, requiring owners to obtain permits and notify neighbors. Non-compliance by July 16, 2025, may lead to enforcement actions, increasing operational costs for investors.
Source: County to enforce short-term rental ordinance, new tax
Developing regulations
Arizona
Published: June 2, 2025
Regulation Category: General Regulation
Summary: Arizona mayors and officials met in Sedona to discuss short-term rental challenges, signaling potential future regulations to address community impacts. Investors should stay informed as these discussions may lead to new restrictions affecting rental operations.
Source: Arizona mayors meet in Sedona to discuss short-term rental impacts
Chicago, Illinois
Published: June 20, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: A proposed Chicago ordinance to allow precinct-level bans on short-term rentals has stalled due to opposition, potentially affecting Airbnb and VRBO operations. Investors should monitor developments as further dialogue may alter property use rights.
Source: Chicago's Push To Increase Control Over STRs Stalls
Maui, Hawaii
Published: Hearing ongoing as of June 19, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: Maui County is considering a bill to phase out approximately 6,000 short-term rentals in apartment-zoned districts, potentially converting them to long-term residential or hotel use. Investors face uncertainty as public hearings continue, with significant implications for property rights and rental income.
Source: Maui Council hears another 70 testifiers on vacation rental phase-out bill; still more to come
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Regulation Category: Enforcement
Summary: Steamboat Springs is reevaluating its strict short-term rental enforcement policies following public outcry over hefty fines and inadequate violation notices. Investors should anticipate potential adjustments to enforcement practices that could affect compliance costs.
Source: Steamboat Springs City Council meeting turns heated amid outcry over STR enforcement
Lafayette, Louisiana
Published: June 18, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: A lawsuit challenges Lafayette's October 2023 ordinance banning short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods, arguing it violates constitutional rights and causes significant income loss for owners. Investors face ongoing uncertainty pending the lawsuit's outcome, which could set a precedent for similar bans.
Source: Short-term rental ban prompts lawsuit in Lafayette
Bellingham, Washington
Published: June 17, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: Property owners are suing Bellingham over a 2018 ordinance requiring short-term rental owners to reside in units for 270 days annually, alleging it's unconstitutional. The lawsuit's outcome could significantly affect investors' ability to operate rentals and may lead to damages.
Source: Property owners take legal action against City of Bellingham over short-term rental restrictions