Daily Regulatory Notes 11/12/2025
Cities address STRs. New York discusses surge; Boston, MA reports new study; Duluth, MN proposes moratorium; Evanston, IL reviews draft; Akron, OH calls for stronger oversight; Hague, NY reviews enforcement. READ MORE.
New York
The Finger Lakes region is grappling with how to manage a surge in short-term rentals that’s transforming once-quiet lake towns.
Local governments from Geneva to Canandaigua are weighing new rules, such as rental caps, host occupancy requirements, and registration mandates to preserve neighborhood character and protect housing for residents. While hosts argue the income supports small-town economies, many residents worry that long-term renters are being priced out.
A new study by Boston University’s Initiative on Cities and the School of Hospitality Administration finds that Boston’s short-term rental regulations have sharply reduced listings but left major compliance issues unresolved.
Since the city’s 2018 STR law took effect, listings have fallen by 56%, with about 3,000 removed before the pandemic. Yet professional hosts still dominate the market, accounting for 76% of listings, and only 41% of properties display valid city licenses. Researchers say enforcement gaps and limited city capacity have allowed large operators to skirt the rules while smaller hosts bear the brunt of oversight.
City councilors discussed a proposed short-term rental moratorium during their recent meeting, introducing Resolution 808 and Ordinance 28 to temporarily halt certain permit approvals.
Council Agenda Item 25—0808R and 25-028-O
The measure would pause new short-term rental permits while the city conducts a study to determine whether further regulatory amendments are needed. A formal vote on the moratorium is expected at the council’s next meeting.
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Evanston’s Housing and Community Development Committee reviewed a draft ordinance on November 6 that would set new rules for short-term and vacation rentals, including a possible cap of 25 licenses per ward.
Members raised concerns about the definition of “short-term rental,” urging staff to exclude month-to-month furnished apartments and focus on platform-listed units like Airbnb and VRBO. Alternatives such as distance-based spacing limits and stronger enforcement tools were also discussed. Staff will return with a revised draft clarifying definitions, enforcement measures, and options for managing the city’s current moratorium.
Vacation Rental License
Akron residents and city officials renewed calls for stronger oversight of short-term rentals during a recent council meeting.
West Akron resident Joe Rusek urged the council to revive legislation banning STRs in residential neighborhoods, citing noise, parking issues, and the loss of long-term housing. Councilman Bolden also referenced a fatal Airbnb incident in nearby Bath, questioning who monitors STR compliance and whether emergency responders know rental locations. The council took no formal action on new STR rules during this meeting.
The Town of Hague’s short-term rental law has been struck down by a New York State Supreme Court judge after nine months in effect.
Judge Robert Muller ruled that the town failed to comply with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), which requires local governments to assess environmental impacts such as noise, garbage, and occupancy. The overturned law had restricted new property owners from obtaining STR permits for three years and set seasonal rental limits.
In case you missed it:
Genelaine Urbano
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