Zoning Glossary

Short-Term Rental

A short-term rental (STR) is a residential property rented for a brief period — typically fewer than thirty consecutive days — through a booking platform or direct arrangement. STR regulations have proliferated rapidly across US cities and typically govern registration and licensing requirements, occupancy type (whether the host must be present), night limits on how many days per year the unit may be rented, safety requirements, and tax collection obligations. As of 2026, virtually every major US city has enacted some form of STR regulation.

STR

In Practice

STR regulation commonly distinguishes between hosted rentals — where the property owner is present on-site during the guest's stay — and unhosted or whole-home rentals where the owner is absent. These two types often face different requirements, with unhosted rentals subject to stricter night caps and occupancy conditions. Hosts should confirm their city's applicable permit or registration type, any primary-residence requirement, and what night limits apply before listing a property.

Source: Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Regulations: Every Major US City · Verified April 5, 2026

Source: PropertyZoned Zoning Guide — Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Regulations: Every Major US City. Last verified April 5, 2026.

Last updated: April 5, 2026

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Short-Term Rental

In Practice

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