Executive Summary
Montreal's harsh new three-month annual cap during tourist season could devastate year-round rental income, while their $300 permit requirement adds another cost layer for operators. Columbia, Missouri's sweeping regulations hit over 400 properties with zoning authorization requirements, compliance certificates, and accommodation taxes plus a critical one-license-per-owner limit that blocks portfolio expansion. Vermont’s state Supreme Court upheld a host-occupancy rule essentially setting a precedent for tighter zoning statewide that can block most non-owner-occupied STRs. Nantucket investors face a legal bombshell as courts ban short-term rentals under 31 days in the prime Residential Old Historic district unless you live there. Meanwhile, Muskingum County, Ohio's incoming 7% bed tax starting July 2025 joins 32 other Ohio counties in hiking operational costs.
New Regulations
Nantucket, Massachusetts
Date of Announcement: June 6, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: A Massachusetts Land Court ruling prohibits short-term rentals under 31 days in Nantucket's Residential Old Historic district, except in owner-occupied dwellings, impacting investors by limiting rental operations in a key area. The decision, which may be appealed, has prompted the town's Select Board to consider further action amid ongoing zoning disputes.
Source: State Judge Rules Against The Town In Short-Term Rental Lawsuit
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date of Announcement: June 2, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Montreal's new rules restrict short-term rentals to three months annually during the tourist season, requiring a $300 permit and shifting enforcement to property owners to prove compliance. These changes, aimed at addressing housing shortages and illegal listings, allow commercial Airbnb rentals in specific zones but face opposition from tourism stakeholders concerned about economic impacts.
Source: Despite pushback, Montreal forges ahead with strict new short-term rental rules
Columbia, Missouri
Date of Announcement: June 6, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Tax, Occupancy, Zoning
Summary: Columbia's new regulations require short-term rental owners to secure zoning authorization, a compliance certificate, and pay accommodation taxes, with limits on rental days, occupants, and one license per owner. These rules, affecting over 400 properties, aim to regulate STR impacts on neighborhoods, with recent amendments easing permit approvals despite public opposition.
Source: Columbia short-term rental regulations now in effect
Vermont
Date of Announcement: June 10, 2025
Regulation Category: Zoning, Licensing
Summary: The Vermont Supreme Court upheld Burlington's 2022 ordinance requiring short-term rental hosts to live on-site, impacting investors by restricting non-owner-occupied STRs and imposing penalties for violations. A separate Environmental Court case on grandfathering existing units could further affect enforcement and investor operations.
Source: Supreme Court Sides With Burlington on Short-Term Rentals
West Windsor, Vermont
Date of Announcement: June 5, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Tax, Occupancy
Summary: West Windsor's ordinance, effective July 1, 2023, mandates registration and fees ($150 for owner-occupied, $300 per bedroom for non-owner-occupied STRs), while Barnard is developing a similar ordinance addressing parking, noise, taxes, and occupancy, pending selectboard approval. These regulations aim to balance community needs and tourism without capping STR numbers.
Source: More area towns are taking on short-term rental regulations
Developing Regulations
Muskingum County, Ohio
Date of Announcement: June 9, 2025
Regulation Category: Tax
Summary: Muskingum County plans to implement a 7% Bed Tax Fee on short-term rentals starting July 2025, applicable to all lodging types to fund tourism promotion. This tax, supported by the local Convention and Visitors Bureau, aligns with 32 other Ohio counties and may increase operational costs for STR investors.
Source: Muskingum County Commissioners Meet to Discuss Short Term Rental Tax
Indian Rocks Beach, Florida
Date of Announcement: June 6, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Occupancy
Summary: Indian Rocks Beach's 2023 ordinances impose occupancy and noise limits, require annual registration, and include a neighbor complaint hotline, creating challenges for STR owners who argue these rules deter visitors and harm business. The STR community is seeking less restrictive solutions.
Source: Indian Rocks Beach short-term rental owners speak out about rental rules