This week’s roundup covers temporary short-term rental changes tied to the 2026 World Cup, a major vacation rental ban in California, ongoing legal challenges in Georgia and Nevada, and new data examining how regulated markets are performing worldwide. Let’s dive in.
On Tuesday, Lawrence City approved a temporary change to the city’s short-term rental rules in preparation for the 2026 World Cup matches in nearby Kansas City. Under the current ordinance, owners and individuals are limited to three short-term rental licenses within city limits, but that cap will be lifted beginning May 25 and reinstated in July. City officials say the temporary adjustment is intended to expand available and more affordable lodging options as Kansas City hosts six World Cup matches. Jeff Crick, director of Lawrence’s Planning and Development Services, said the city is responding to limited hotel capacity and wants to ensure visitors have “at least options” during this surge in demand.
Monterey County voted this week to ban short-term rentals in unincorporated residential areas, while continuing to allow them in commercial zones and as part of agricultural operations. The ban includes popular tourist destinations such as Pebble Beach and Big Sur. County officials said the move is intended to protect long-term housing supply, but it follows an ongoing lawsuit filed by the Monterey County Vacation Rental Association challenging rules the county established in 2024. The abrupt change in course has left many local hosts frustrated and surprised after years of working to meet strict requirements.
Tybee Island’s long-running legal fight over short-term rental regulations saw new movement this week, though a final ruling is still pending. Tybee Alliance, a group of property managers and rental owners, sued the city in January 2023, challenging ordinances that require annual permit renewals, submission of detailed booking data showing rentals are booked at full market value, occupational tax certificates, and allow city inspections following complaints. On Wednesday, a county judge heard arguments from both sides but withheld a decision, saying a ruling will be based on the arguments and briefs presented. The case centers on whether short term rentals should be treated as residential properties, as argued by Tybee Alliance, or as commercial properties subject to licensing and regulation under Georgia law, as argued by the City of Tybee Island.
Clark County decided this week to move forward with an appeal after a federal judge temporarily blocked enforcement of the county’s short-term rental regulations. Commissioners authorized the District Attorney’s Office to seek review by the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals following a preliminary injunction that halted fines, citations, and licensing enforcement for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. The injunction, issued last month in a lawsuit brought by the Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association and individual homeowners, found that the county’s licensing system likely raises constitutional due process concerns tied to delays and enforcement practices. While the appeal moves forward, Clark County is unable to require short-term rental licenses, issue fines, declare rentals a nuisance, or record liens related to enforcement actions.
HospitalityNet published an article this week examining how short-term rental regulations have shaped performance in some of the world’s highest-performing vacation rental markets. Using Lighthouse data, the article looks at cities where short-term rental rules have already been implemented and breaks down how rentals are performing despite restrictions such as licensing requirements, activity caps, and primary residence rules. The article also considers broader factors influencing performance, including travel demand, economic conditions, seasonality, airline capacity, and major events. Markets examined include New York City, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Istanbul, Florence, and others.
As governments revisit regulations and major events influence demand, the vacation rental market continues to adapt. Check back next week for the latest news.
