Vacation rental regulatory resources

As the vacation rental industry grows, some cities and neighborhoods have considered or implemented regulations to address concerns raised by communities and interest groups.  

Because each community is unique, local officials often have different ideas on regulations, including proposed legislation that could essentially prevent vacation rentals altogether. Strict requirements like these threaten the vacation rental industry.  

While it's important to have policies in place for nuisance issues such as excessive noise and parking regulations, we must also protect partners' rights and preserve the positive economic benefits we've seen from this growing industry.  

Many of these regulations could directly impact your rental policies as a vacation rental owner or property manager. Understanding your area’s local rules and restrictions before devising your house rules can save your guests from making unnecessary mistakes.

• Nuisance issues: Because many vacation rentals are in residential communities, some neighborhood groups have raised concerns about "party houses" disturbing the peace in residential neighborhoods. As a result, many local officials want to regulate issues such as noise violations, excessive parking, and trash, as well as prevent homes that frequently disrupt the neighborhood from operating as a vacation rental.
• Occupancy limits: Occupancy limits exist to protect everyone’s safety. Local policies that limit the number of occupants could affect the number of guests allowed. To be safe and avoid violations, list your occupancy policy in your house rules. Learn more about how house rules help maintain control.
• Registration requirements: How to register or license your vacation rental will depend on where your home is located. It's important to follow your area’s specific registration process. We'll notify you if your property requires a registration number to be displayed on your listing.
• Tax collection: Where your vacation rental is located will also affect how it gets taxed, as local regulations will vary. In addition to property taxes, some areas require rental owners to collect and remit transient occupancy taxes from travelers, or pay taxes on the rental income.

Find out how to stay in compliance with your area’s vacation rental regulations to remain in good standing with local officials and the community. Most government websites will include how to comply with local and state ordinances, such as tax instructions, health and safety standards, licenses/permits, and direct contact information.

If you’d like to get involved or learn more about the vacation rental policy landscape in your community, please reach out to GovernmentAffairs@Vrbo.com.

Responsible renting

You're a good neighbor, and you want your guests to be good neighbors, too. A simple way to help remind guests of this responsibility is to create house rules. 

Outline all your house requirements and community regulations, and clearly communicate them to your guests to encourage them to be good neighbors during their stay. Some hosts try to meet guests when possible, or they'll include a booklet or a few websites to look up on the neighborhood to acquaint guests with the community. Get more tips for setting up your welcome guide.

To keep guests safe during their stay, take these simple measures and ensure their well-being.

• Contact info: Provide your guests with information on local emergency numbers, nearby hospitals, and how to reach you if any issues arise. Make sure you have the guest’s phone number on hand in case of complaints.
• Supplies: Place a first aid kit in an easily accessible location. Make sure the kit contains all necessary items like Band-Aids, gauze, and antiseptic.
• Fire safety: Ensure your home is compliant with local fire codes and has functioning fire safety equipment and carbon monoxide detectors, as well as a fire extinguisher. Make sure to clearly mark fire escape routes in the event of an emergency.
• Privacy: Be mindful of your guests' privacy — let your guests know if your property has security cameras or other surveillance systems. 
• Occupancy: Mandate appropriate occupancy limits. Please check with your local government about the occupancy limits of vacation rentals in your area.
• Child Safety: For guests with children, take precautions to “childproof” your home to ensure everyone’s safety.
• Climate: Keep your home properly ventilated with a working thermostat. Some homeowners post the thermostat directions nearby.

Pledge to rent responsibly

Taking a pledge to rent responsibly can show you are serious about complying with local vacation rental rules and regulations. You can also display the pledge on your listing, in your rental, or share it on social media.

Sample pledge:

"I pledge to rent my vacation rental property in compliance with all local rules and regulations, and that as a homeowner in this community I will uphold the standards expected of a good neighbor." 

Sign a rental agreement

It’s a good idea to create a rental agreement for you and your guests to sign that states guests will avoid violating the local and house rules and regulations. If you use a rental agreement template, make sure you customize it to cover your home’s specific needs and requirements. You can add your template from the Properties section of your dashboard.  Navigate to "Rules and Policies" and select the "Rental Agreement" tab.

Contact Government Affairs

You can reach our team by emailing GovernmentAffairs@vrbo.com.

Vacation rental homeowner and property managers are in a great position to promote the vacation rental industry and contribute valuable ideas about regulations. To help you engage with issues, we’ve compiled some resources for advocacy and action. Find industry information, strategies for influencing policymakers, community engagement and outreach ideas, and more.

As a vacation rental homeowner or property manager, you have critical experience and industry knowledge. When policymakers in your city or state want to implement rules, you can help inform the conversation with firsthand experience. 

1. Build your case: Before launching your advocacy campaign, become familiar the policy developments in your city and state, including arguments on both sides. Look online for recent news and articles for facts and information to build an effective case.
2. Create your coalition: Teaming up with other vacation rental operators makes a greater impact. If a local vacation rental alliance doesn’t already exist in your area — check at VrboAdvocates.com to see — we can help you start one.
3. Contact local officials: Raise awareness and reinforce the impact vacation rentals have constituents and neighborhoods. Send emails, make phone calls, and schedule meetings with your local officials to offer policy ideas and solutions.
4. Amplify your message: After reaching out to policymakers, spread the word. Our team is available to help you tell your story, clarify how to reach out to media, and share best practices for talking to members of the press.