Regulating Short Term Rentals - State Actions and Local Government Solutions
Avi Gandhi, Grace Zhou, Joonhwan Park & Sanjana Sidhra
The past decade has seen an explosive growth of short-term rentals (STRs) globally. This study describes the market of home sharing or short-term rentals, and the various local government functions affected by these emerging STR platforms (Airbnb, HomeAway, etc.) including zoning, public health and taxes. We explore the role of state actions on the STR market, analyzing various cases across the country. Finally, we provide local governments with the options and tools to apply in regulating STRs in their localities. The regulation of STRs is a hotly debated issue, because of their varied impacts on communities, local governments, hotel and tourism industries and other stakeholders. Our study analyzes these contested perspectives. We explore which level of government should be responsible for regulating short-term rental platforms, and what kinds of regulations are appropriate.
Gandhi, A., Zhou, G., Park Y. & Sidhra, S. (2019). Regulating Short Term Rentals - State Actions and Local Government Solutions. Department of City and Regional Planning, Cornell University: Ithaca, NY. ( Full Report | Issue Brief )
