How to Find Location Regulations for Short Term Rentals

Question

Hey Everyone! What is the easiest and best way to figure out if a city, neighborhood, etc. allow for short term rentals? I don't want to make a purchase without making sure its allowed.

Michael Baum · Answer

I think you get the idea @Kyle Udall. Call and search the web.

I wish I could keep upvoting everyone. I am out of votes...dangnabbit...

Luke Carl · Answer

County/city will have it on a website just google it

Brooklyn McCarty · Answer

Call or visit city planning, use Google!

Jared Hottle · Answer

Call city planning and zoning department. Also something an investor-minded rock star agent in the area can help you with.

January Johnson · Answer

This is SO TRUE!  If you call our county code enforcement or planning division, you will likely get "STRs not zoned in ____ neighborhood", but this is WRONG WRONG WRONG!

A good local realtor will also be able to tell you if a city or neighborhood is STR-friendly. For example, I have a hand-drawn map that I apply to all client MLS searches that filter out the NON-STRable neighborhoods.  But working with STR investors is ALL I do, so I know my market super well.

You didn't mention what market(s) you are looking in.  Let me know if you're interested in the Emerald Coast of Florida, and I can give more insight about neighborhoods.

Dan Maciejewski · Answer

You can call but they don't always give the right answer.  You never want to be in a, "Betty told me it was good on the phone" situation!

Almost every city will have a code of ordinances on Municode.  Google "cityname" municode and that should get you there.  Then use the search for terms like transient rental, vacation rental, short term rental, etc. . . Keep in mind that most states allow municipalities to change regulations, so also look for news about meetings and see which way the wind is blowing in that area!  Thankfully Florida preempted all city and county regulation, so nobody's getting any stricter than they already are around here!

Kyle Udall · Answer

Thank you all! Super helpful. Love this network

Leslie Anne Morris · Answer

STR Insights is built for this! Check it out

Bruce Woodruff · Answer

Search 'city name - vacation rental regulations'

John Underwood · Answer

Call the county and ask.

How to Find Location Regulations for Short Term Rentals

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