Daily Regulatory Notes 08/19/2025
Cities address STRs. Hawaii reviews enforcement; Los Angeles, CA revisits registrations; Lawrence, KS prepares for World Cup 20206; Indianapolis, IN discusses permit regulation; Knoxville, TN renews focus on enforcement. READ MORE.
Hawaii
Airbnb’s latest move could reshape Hawaii’s already tense short-term rental landscape. The platform announced plans to bring hotels—starting with smaller boutique properties and independents—onto its listings. It means travelers searching for a vacation rental might now see a beachfront resort pop up in the same feed.
Hosts worry that hotels, with their established tax and regulatory frameworks, could be favored in Airbnb’s search results, putting independent operators at a disadvantage after years of navigating compliance hurdles. For hotels, the partnership offers access to Airbnb’s massive global audience while sidestepping the regulatory battles that continue to dog vacation rentals. The result could blur the once-clear divide between the “regulated hotel” and “rule-breaking rental” narratives that have long defined Hawaii’s lodging debate.
Los Angeles short-term rental registrations continue to decline as the city’s 2018 Home Sharing Ordinance tightens its grip.
Active registrations have fallen 6% year-over-year, while platforms estimate an even steeper 44% drop in listings across the metro area. Hosts say the rules, fines, and stepped-up enforcement make operating too risky, with some converting to mid-term rentals instead. The City Council has approved higher penalties and new enforcement hires, though budget delays have slowed rollout.
As Lawrence gears up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, city commissioners are considering changes to short-term rental rules alongside a proposed hike in the transient guest tax.
With Kansas City hosting six matches, including a quarterfinal, officials expect demand for lodging to surge. To meet this need, commissioners are debating a temporary lift on the current cap of three short-term rental licenses per owner, while also weighing an increase in the guest tax from 6% to 8%.
The fatal shooting at an Airbnb in Indianapolis has sparked a crackdown on short-term rentals operating without permits at “The Grounds” apartment complex.
Under the city’s new STR rules, every listing must be registered with a $150 permit, yet investigators confirmed none were in place before the tragedy. Neighbors report years of frustration with management ignoring complaints about safety and constant guest turnover, fueling calls for stronger enforcement. Officials say their first step is to educate landlords, but they also note that owners face potential charges if illegal rentals persist—underscoring how compliance with the city’s short-term rental ordinance is now under sharper scrutiny.
Knoxville’s City Council is renewing its focus on short-term rental enforcement after residents raised concerns about non-resident landlords and questionable listings that undermine local housing rules.
While the city previously introduced affidavits to verify residency, council members acknowledged that loopholes remain, with some hosts advertising homes as vacation stays despite not living in Knoxville. Residents have voiced frustration over limited follow-through on violations, pressing the city to strengthen its enforcement tools.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
READ: Daily Regulatory Notes 08/18/2025
STRisker Calendar Tracker
Staying ahead of STR regulations isn’t just about deadlines—it’s about knowing what’s coming. Our Calendar Tracker keeps you informed on upcoming meetings, key votes, and policy changes, so you never miss a critical update.
👍 We’d love your feedback.
Which stories hit? Which ones missed?
We're constantly refining Daily Notes to make it even more useful for you.
✉️ Just reply directly to this email. We read and respond to every message!
-Will McClure
🙋 P.S.
Know someone else who should be reading Daily Notes? Feel free to forward this along. We’re opening a few more spots.