Last updated:
September 17, 2025
3
minute read

STR Investor Insights: This Week’s Regulation Updates

Sept 10-16, 2025: STR Regulations

Executive Summary

A New Orleans federal court upheld strict permit caps and block-by-block limits while requiring platforms like Airbnb to verify legal listings and submit monthly compliance reports. Austin approved new regulations effective October 1st that allow up to two rentals per lot and permit 10% STR units in multifamily properties, but mandate license numbers in all listings by July 2026. Greece is expanding its STR restrictions to popular tourist islands including the Cyclades, Ionian Islands, and Dodecanese, potentially banning new rentals in high-concentration areas starting October 1st. On the positive side, Twin Falls, Idaho rejected new STR regulations entirely, while Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing legislation to funnel STR tax revenue into tourism marketing that could boost demand. Nantucket requires 2026 season renewals by October 31st with $1 million liability insurance, and Skokie, Illinois is considering a residential ban with 48-hour minimum stays and one rental per block limits.

New Regulations

New Orleans, Louisiana 

Published: September 13, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: A federal court upheld New Orleans' strict short-term rental regulations, including permitting caps and block-by-block limits, with Airbnb planning to appeal to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. STR investors face continued restrictions on permits and operational limits, potentially reducing available rental opportunities in the city.
Source: Airbnb to Appeal New Orleans Short-Term Rentals Court Ruling

Austin, Texas 

Published: September 12, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: Austin's City Council approved new STR regulations effective October 1, 2025, requiring license numbers in listings by July 1, 2026, allowing up to two rentals per lot, and permitting 10% STR units in multifamily properties (25% with commercial use). These changes simplify licensing but impose stricter compliance, impacting STR investors' operational flexibility and costs.
Source: Council OKs New Rules for Short-Term Rentals

Nantucket, Massachusetts 

Published: September 14, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing
Summary: Short-term rental permit holders in Nantucket must renew their 2026 season registrations by October 31, 2025, via the GovOS portal, ensuring compliance with 2025 regulations, providing proof of $1 million liability insurance, paying the renewal fee, and updating application details. This requirement impacts STR investors by enforcing strict compliance and potential costs for maintaining legal operations.
Source: STR Registration Reminder

Twin Falls, Idaho 

Published: September 10, 2025
Regulation Category: General
Summary: Twin Falls, Idaho, has decided against implementing new regulations for short-term rentals, maintaining the current regulatory environment. This benefits STR investors by allowing continued operations without additional compliance costs or restrictions. Source: No New Regulations Coming for Airbnb Rentals in Twin Falls

Developing Regulations

Pennsylvania 

Published: September 13, 2025
Regulation Category: Tax
Summary: Proposed Pennsylvania legislation (S.B. 994 and H.B. 1852) aims to redirect state hotel occupancy tax revenue from short-term rentals to the Tourism Promotion Fund, potentially increasing marketing efforts for tourism. STR investors should note this could indirectly affect demand for rentals by boosting tourism, but no immediate operational changes are required as the bills are still under consideration.
Source: Lawmakers Push Plan to Boost Tourism Marketing With Short-Term Rental Tax Revenue

Pullman, Washington 

Published: September 10, 2025
Regulation Category: General
Summary: The Pullman City Council sent proposed short-term rental regulations back for further review, indicating potential future changes that could affect STR operations. Investors should monitor developments, as revised rules may impose new licensing, zoning, or operational requirements.
Source: Pullman City Council Sends Short-Term Rental Rules Back for Review

Skokie, Illinois 

Published: September 9, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning Summary: Skokie's Village Board is considering stricter STR regulations, with the mayor favoring a ban in residential areas and proposed rules including a 48-hour minimum stay, one STR per block, and registration fees. STR investors may face significant operational restrictions or a potential ban, impacting profitability and property use.
Source: Skokie Mayor Ann Tennes Leaning Against Airbnb-Type Short-Term Rentals

North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 

Published: September 11, 2025
Regulation Category: General
Summary: North Myrtle Beach is holding an information-gathering event on September 30, 2023, to understand STR operators' challenges, with no immediate ordinance changes proposed. STR investors should participate to influence potential future regulations that could affect operations.
Source: NMB to Host Another Short-Term Rental Information Gathering Event

Athens, Greece 

Published: September 11, 2025
Regulation Category: Licensing, Zoning
Summary: The Greek government plans to extend and expand short-term rental restrictions, potentially banning new STRs in high-concentration areas like the Cyclades, Ionian Islands, and Dodecanese, while introducing detailed specifications from October 1, 2025. STR investors may face reduced opportunities for new rentals and increased compliance requirements in these popular tourist destinations.
Source: Expansion of Restrictions

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