STR Regulation Finder

Short-term rental regulation operates in layers, and the most restrictive rule always wins. At the top sits federal or national law — typically setting data-sharing obligations that require Airbnb to report host earnings to tax authorities. Below that, state, province, or regional governments set baseline licensing and tax frameworks. At the city or municipality level you'll find the most varied and impactful rules: night caps, primary residence requirements, zoning restrictions, and density caps. Finally, your building or HOA can add an additional layer that even a fully compliant city licence cannot override.

Because municipalities set their own rules, two properties in the same state can operate under entirely different regimes. San Francisco requires a registration number and a primary residence declaration; neighbouring Oakland has no STR registration requirement at all. Always look at city and county level, not just state-wide guidance.

Platforms like Airbnb are increasingly sharing host data directly with local governments under platform compliance agreements. Cities including Amsterdam, Barcelona, New York, and Edinburgh now receive booking data automatically. This means operating informally is becoming far harder — and the penalty risk for non-compliance is rising every year. The safest approach is to check your requirements, register proactively, and keep your documentation up to date.

The definitive source for any jurisdiction is always the local council or municipal government website. Search for “short-term rental licence”, “holiday let registration”, or “Airbnb permit” on your local authority's website and bookmark the official page — because rules change, and so do the URLs.