Daily Regulatory Notes 04/20/2026

Connecticut

A proposed short-term rental bill in Connecticut is advancing after lawmakers removed a controversial provision that would have allowed municipalities to impose up to a 2.5% local tax.

Aundré Bumgardner revised the measure following strong opposition from hosts, refocusing it on creating a statewide registry to track rental properties and support public safety. The proposal would place oversight with the Department of Revenue Services and fund the program through annual registration fees.

New York City, NY

New York City has filed a lawsuit targeting illegal short-term rental operators and increasing pressure on Airbnb to strengthen enforcement under Local Law 18.

Short Term Rentals Crisis: NYC Sues Over Illegal Airbnb Listings

New York City files lawsuit against landlords operating illegal short term rentals through Airbnb, exposing regulatory gaps that allow platforms to avoid enforcement responsibility in 2026.

Nomad LawyerRaushan Kumar

Registration Law - OSE

Office of Special Enforcement

Officials argue that a loophole allows previously approved listings to operate illegally after conversion, with platforms failing to detect ongoing violations. If successful, the legal action could set a precedent for stricter enforcement responsibilities on booking platforms.

Blue River, CO

Blue River officials are tightening enforcement of short-term rental rules following widespread noncompliance, reminding operators of updated regulations that took effect in 2026.

The policy overhaul requires active licensing, detailed listing disclosures, occupancy limits, and lodging tax compliance, with penalties including fines and license revocation. A key upcoming change will impose a one-owner, one-property rule starting in 2027.

Lenox, MA

Officials in Lenox are urging short-term rental operators to complete required inspections ahead of peak tourism season, following updated state and local regulations.

Short Term Rental By-law and Registration | Lenox, MA

Lenox MA HomepageGovernment Websites by CivicPlus®

The rules mandate safety inspections, annual registration, and compliance with building code standards, with stricter timelines for non-resident owners. Local bylaws also impose fines and possible permit suspension for violations.

Avalon, CA

Avalon's City Council discussed options last week to encourage more long term rentals on the island, with city staff flagging concerns that the current ordinance may be creating a perverse incentive for property owners to keep units vacant rather than rent them long term.

The issue centers on a rule that makes property owners ineligible for a short term rental license if their unit was rented for 30 or more consecutive days at any point in the two years prior to applying, effectively penalizing landlords who house year round residents.

Norwich, VT

Norwich Is holding a public hearing on Wednesday on proposed interim bylaws that would regulate short term rentals in town for a two year period, requiring operators to obtain a $250 annual permit and comply with fire safety and other town and state regulations.

The Planning Commission moved forward with the proposal after residents raised concerns about properties being purchased specifically for serial Airbnb use, and because short term rentals currently exist in a regulatory gray area under the town's zoning rules. Under the proposed bylaws, owner occupied short term rentals would be permitted anywhere in town while non-owner occupied rentals would not be allowed going forward, though existing operations would be grandfathered in as non-conforming uses.

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🎤 Episode Title: City of Midland | Regular Meeting of City Council | April 13, 2026
🎤 Episode: MCTV Network's Government Affairs

📻 Listen:https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mgtv/episodes/City-of-Midland--Regular-Meeting-of-City-Council--April-13--2026-e3hunkb

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