With summer in full swing, this week’s Industry News reflects a fast-moving industry balancing strong demand with smarter oversight, clearer guest policies, and new opportunities.
North Carolina’s new law, effective July 1, 2025, requires hotel and vacation rental staff to complete NCDOL-approved human trafficking awareness training within 60 days of hire and retrain every two years, with a June 30, 2027, deadline for current workers. For vacation rentals listed on or after July 1, property managers must complete the training before the rental is listed. Officials say the measure could strengthen public safety in heavy tourism areas.
San Diego reopened short-term rental license applications in Mission Beach on July 1, marking the first new application round since late 2022, when nearly 1,100 licenses were issued through a lottery due to overwhelming demand. The current application period will run through August 15, after which the city will conduct a random lottery to determine processing order and wait list position. There will be no cap on the number of applicants accepted for the wait list, and the fee for a two-year license is $1,129. Officials say the move will improve oversight and compliance in one of the city’s most tourism-heavy neighborhoods.
California’s AB 2202, effective July 1, 2025, requires short-term rental platforms and hosts to disclose any cleaning fees or penalties upfront, along with a detailed list of guest checkout tasks tied to those charges. Fees can only be imposed if guests fail to complete the listed tasks, and both the charges and requirements must be acknowledged by the guest before booking. Supporters say the law will boost pricing transparency and reduce surprise fees for travelers booking vacation rentals. Check out the full section of the bill that applies to short-term rentals here.
Camp Margaritaville Resort in Crystal Beach, Texas, is investing $100 million to add 105 "Beach Bungalows," expanding its resort-style lodging options along the Texas Gulf Coast. The bungalows are designed as "turn-key" investment opportunities for buyers and will be rented through Margaritaville’s vacation rental program, allowing owners to share in the rental revenue. This expansion reflects ongoing demand from vacationers for private, upscale homes in popular tourist areas.
Maui County’s Housing and Land Use Committee resumed deliberations on Bill 9 this week, following emotional testimony and debate in June. As reported in previous Industry News updates (June 13th, June 6th) the proposal, introduced by Mayor Richard Bissen, seeks to phase out around 6,000 vacation rentals in apartment-zoned areas to address the island’s housing crisis. Legal concerns over property rights and potential economic fallout continue to loom. After more than six hours in a closed executive session, the panel recessed and scheduled to reconvene on July 23rd to continue discussions.
As summer hits its stride, expect ongoing shifts in regulations, investments, and market trends shaping the vacation rental industry. Check back next week for the latest updates and insights.