Key Insights
This week brought a mix of shakeups and opportunities in the STR world. While New York and Montreal are tightening the reins with new zoning and licensing restrictions, cities like St. Joseph, Missouri, are taking a different approach—leaning into short-term rentals as an economic growth engine. They’re following a growing trend of municipalities finding ways to regulate STRs without stifling them, recognizing their potential to boost local businesses and tourism. Meanwhile, places like Utah and Rio Rancho are refining their enforcement strategies, ensuring fair play in the market.
Major Impact Areas:
New York State, USA
Date of Announcement: January 28, 2025
Impact Level: MAJOR
Regulation Category: Licensing and Zoning
Summary: The new regulations introduce stricter licensing requirements and zoning restrictions for short-term rentals across New York State to mitigate housing shortages and address community concerns.
Source: The Daily News Online
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Date of Announcement: January 30, 2025
Impact Level: MAJOR
Regulation Category: Zoning and Enforcement
Summary: Montreal has introduced a partial ban on short-term rentals, restricting them to specific tourism-designated streets and limiting their operation to the summer months (June 10 to September 10). To enforce this, the city plans to implement fines ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 and will expand its inspection team from three to ten full-time inspectors. Mayor Valérie Plante emphasized that these measures aim to return thousands of units to the long-term rental market and address the housing crisis exacerbated by illegal STR operations.
Source: Ricochet Media
Moderate Impact Areas:
Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
Date of Announcement: January 31, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Licensing and Zoning
Summary: The proposed bylaws aim to implement stricter licensing requirements and designate specific zones for short-term rentals to ensure a balanced approach.
Source: Castanet
St. Joseph, Missouri, USA
Date of Announcement: January 27, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Licensing and Taxation
Summary: St. Joseph is considering an ordinance to regulate short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO, aiming to boost local economic development. The proposed regulations would require hosts to obtain licenses and adhere to specific taxation policies, reflecting a broader trend of municipalities leveraging short-term rentals to enhance their economies.
Source: Yahoo News
Salida, Colorado, USA
Date of Announcement: January 29, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Licensing and Zoning
Summary: The Salida City Council is considering new regulations for short-term rentals, including stricter licensing requirements and designated zoning areas. These measures aim to manage the growth of short-term rentals and mitigate their impact on housing affordability and neighborhood character.
Source: The Mountain Mail
Dubuque, Iowa, USA
Date of Announcement: February 1, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Licensing and Zoning
Summary: The Dubuque City Council is evaluating proposed regulations for short-term rentals, including licensing requirements and zoning restrictions. The initiative aims to address community concerns about neighborhood integrity and housing availability while supporting tourism.
Source: Telegraph Herald
Utah, USA
Date of Announcement: January 31, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Enforcement
Summary: A new bill in Utah proposes allowing local governments to use listings from platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo as evidence to enforce regulations against unlicensed short-term rentals, provided they have additional supporting information. This legislation aims to strengthen local authorities' ability to manage and regulate the growing number of STRs in the state.
Source: Salt Lake Tribune
Rio Rancho, New Mexico, USA
Date of Announcement: October 2024
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Licensing, Occupancy, Zoning
Summary: The Rio Rancho City Council has proposed regulatory changes to STRs, increasing rental frequency from 52 to 84 times per year, introducing a two-house buffer rule between rentals, and shortening the permit renewal period. These updates respond to community concerns about housing affordability and neighborhood stability while accommodating the annual Balloon Fiesta.
Source: YouTube
Conway, New Hampshire, USA
Date of Announcement: January 28, 2025
Impact Level: MODERATE
Regulation Category: Zoning
Summary: The proposed regulations, pending voter approval, aim to manage the growth of short-term rentals in residential zones to preserve neighborhood character.
Source: Conway Daily Sun
Minor Impact Areas:
Bluewater, Ontario, Canada
Date of Announcement: January 29, 2025
Impact Level: MINOR
Regulation Category: Occupancy Limits
Summary: The municipality has chosen to continue enforcing current occupancy limits on short-term rentals to address community concerns.
Source: Lakeshore Advance
Rapid City, South Dakota, USA
Date of Announcement: January 28, 2025
Impact Level: MINOR
Regulation Category: No regulatory updates included
Summary: Rapid City officials are seeking public input to address issues related to short-term rental homes, aiming to balance tourism benefits with neighborhood concerns.
Source: KOTA TV