Executive summary
In New York City, new legislation could reopen some areas to short-term rentals after years of heavy restrictions—though strong opposition from tenant advocates remains. British Columbia has extended its platform compliance deadline to June 1, 2025, with unregistered listings facing removal starting June 2. Vermont's proposed statewide Bill H.242 could introduce further regulations to STR’s.. In Utah, the so-called "Knotwell Rule" still blocks cities from using online listings as enforcement evidence—but proposed HB 256 aims to reverse that restriction.
Moderate Impact Areas
British Columbia, Canada
Date of Announcement: April 30, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Licensing, Compliance
Summary: British Columbia extended the deadline to June 1, 2025, for STR platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to ensure listings are legal, with unregistered listings to be removed by June 2. Investors must register by May 1 to avoid delisting, which could disrupt operations and revenue.
Source: Province moving forward on short-term rental rules
Londonderry, Vermont
Date of Announcement: April 29, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Safety, Compliance Penalties
Summary: Londonderry's amended STR ordinance introduces new safety requirements and penalties for non-compliance, increasing operational standards for rental properties. Investors will need to ensure compliance with these updated safety protocols to avoid fines, potentially raising operational costs.
Source: Londonderry adopts amended STR ordinance, approves website vendor
Developing Regulations
New York City, New York
Date of Announcement: May 3, 2025
Impact Level: DEVELOPING
Regulation Category: Zoning, Licensing
Summary: Proposed legislation in New York City aims to relax strict STR restrictions, potentially allowing platforms like Airbnb to operate in certain areas, but faces opposition from tenant groups concerned about housing impacts. Investors should track this bill's progress, as approval could reopen opportunities for STRs, though significant regulatory hurdles may remain.
Source: New NYC legislation could bring back some short-term rentals. There's plenty of opposition.
Vermont, USA
Date of Announcement: May 1, 2025
Impact Level: DEVELOPING
Regulation Category: Registration, Occupancy Limits, Statewide Regulation
Summary: Proposed statewide Bill H.242 could introduce further regulations to address housing shortages. Investors should monitor these evolving local and state rules, as they may limit rental days and increase compliance costs.
Source: The region's short term rental market and regulations are evolving
Alameda, California
Date of Announcement: April 28, 2025
Impact Level: DEVELOPING
Regulation Category: Occupancy Limits, Zoning
Summary: Alameda's proposed STR ordinance would allow hosted STRs year-round but cap semi- and unhosted STRs at 90 days to preserve long-term housing, with a draft expected for review in Summer 2025. Investors should prepare for potential restrictions on unhosted rentals, which could limit revenue from properties not occupied by the owner.
Source: Planning Board Continues to Consider Airbnb Regulation
Utah, USA
Date of Announcement: April 28, 2025
Impact Level: MAJOR
Regulation Category: Enforcement, Evidence Use
Summary: Utah's "Knotwell Rule" prevents municipalities from using STR website listings as evidence for enforcement, significantly limiting their ability to address nuisances like noise and over-occupancy, with proposed HB 256 aiming to allow such evidence and increase fines.
Source: State legislation restricts municipalities in addressing short-term rental nuisances