Efficient way to find counties/towns where STRs are unrestriced?

Question

We're interested in starting to invest in STRs, but our area (Washington DC) is generally heavily restricted. Is there an efficient way to find areas in the country (ideally areas in the mid-atlantic), where STRs are permitted/unrestricted?

Account Closed · Answer

You should read Avery and @Luke Carl book. They lay out a very logical process for how to choose a market from a high level and then the steps to take to to a more in depth analysis once you have a potential market identified. One of their recommendation which I strongly second is to get connected with a local agent that works with a lot of investors in that target market. Someone on Biggerpockets has probably done all the research for you already in each market, the key is to just get connected with them!

Luke Carl · Answer

beaches and mountains. places where very few people live but millions and millions visit.

Jon Lopez · Answer

@Dan MacDonald hi Dan.  I’m also on the hunt for an STR in Florida.  I called into the city of Daytona Beach and spoke with someone.  They emailed me a map and chart with zoning codes.  Message me your email address and I can forward the email to you.

Per chart, “Short-term rentals (rentals less than 6 months) are listed as Other Accommodations in the permitted uses. If Other Accommodations is not listed under the Permitted Uses section highlighted in green, short-term rentals are not permitted at that location.”

Hope this helps with your hunt.

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

You will find that conservative states and locales will be more receptive to allowing STRs to operate. Blue areas will be more restrictive.

Generally speaking of course and my opinion only....kinda....

But no, there are no websites or formulas for finding these places, you'll have to ask around and do your own research.

Jimmy Woodard · Answer

@Dan MacDonald if only, I'd pay good money for that service! It's not hard to find this information, but unfortunately it's just time-consuming google searches for "[county name] short term rental laws" or "[city name] short term rental laws" for markets you're considering. Good luck!

Derick Bonsu · Answer

Ha, good luck.

I'm in your area and wish the options were better here as well.

In all seriousness though, unless you stick with established markets like the others mentioned, that coveted list would be outdated by the time they hit a website list. A lot of the metro markets especially are constantly changing their rules and not worth the hassle. I would say to follow the herd for the most part and stick with established markets. As someone said above, the short term shop folks operate in str friendly place, so you can check out their site if you don't have/know a place to start.

Joaquin Camarasa · Answer

Adding to all the extra info, make sure to ask to the county representatives the current regulations and also any regulations that they might be aware will be passed in the near future. I have been following the STR market in Shennadoah and its pretty crazy how fast the good properties go and most of them are going for way more than list price.

Melissa B · Answer

@Dan MacDonald  This is the only list I'm aware of, and I live near the #1 and #6 "up and coming".  There has been a land grab there.

https://www.airdna.co/blog/bes...

Dan MacDonald · Answer

@Sean McDonnell thanks I'll look up the book. I also figured connecting with local agents would be the next step. Bottom line is it sounds like there is currently no national/international database of towns that are more/less accommodating for STRs.

Dan MacDonald · Answer

@Jillian Kemmerer thanks, I'll try that.

Efficient way to find counties/towns where STRs are unrestriced?

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