Maui’s New Vacation Rental Legislation Sparks Turmoil: Travelers and Property Owners Face Uncertain Future

Wailuku, Hawaii — A looming regulation on Maui could drastically alter the landscape for vacation rentals on the island, with about 7,000 short-term rental properties slated to be outlawed by June 1, 2025. This anticipated change is primarily targeting rentals in apartment-zoned areas, particularly those in West Maui, with about 2,200 rentals facing termination. The uncertainty surrounding these proposed regulations has left many travelers anxious about their travel plans and the future legality of their accommodations. The debate over vacation rentals in Maui has escalated, with the county council proposing a phase-out of these properties … Read more

South Carolina’s Top Tourist Cities Sue Major Rental Platforms Over Unpaid Taxes and Fees

Charleston, SC — A coalition of South Carolina’s most popular tourist cities, including Charleston, Columbia, and Myrtle Beach, has filed a lawsuit against several major online travel companies. The municipalities contend that these firms have neglected to remit local accommodation taxes and, in some instances, business license fees collected on their platforms from both rental hosts and guests. At the heart of the litigation is the allegation that these digital platforms failed to forward taxes they collected, thereby depriving the municipalities of critical revenue streams intended for local infrastructure and services. This lawsuit illustrates a … Read more

Fort Worth’s Battle Over Home Rentals: Judge Deliberates City’s Short-Term Rental Restrictions After Landowner Lawsuit

FORT WORTH, Texas — A district judge in Fort Worth has postponed a decision on the city’s new short-term rental regulations, following a legal challenge from over 100 property owners. The contentious regulations, which include a ban on rentals in residential zones and stringent requirements in commercial areas, have sparked a significant dispute involving local authorities and property investors. The property owners argue that the city overstepped its bounds with these ordinances, claiming they infringe on their rights to use their properties as they see fit. The debate centers on the balance between maintaining residential … Read more

California Landlords to Navigate Wave of New Rental Laws in 2025: Essential Updates from CAA’s Legislative Report

Sacramento, Calif. — The California Apartment Association (CAA) recently concluded its 2024 Year-End Legislative Report, an extensive seminar detailing new regulations that will affect rental housing providers beginning in 2025. This initial session will be followed by a second webinar on December 18, aimed at providing landlords with compliance tools, updated forms, and essential resources to navigate these legislative changes. Throughout the event, CAA executive vice president of state public affairs, Debra Carlton, shared insights into the vast legislative activities that have transpired over the year. “With over 3,000 bills introduced by the legislature, more … Read more