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US: Salt Lake City will introduce its first licensing framework for short-term rentals from 1 July, bringing operating requirements for Airbnb and Vrbo hosts across the city.
The new rules, adopted as part of the city’s 2026-2027 budget, will require all properties rented for fewer than 30 days to obtain an annual business licence.
Under the framework, short-term rentals will be subject to a two-night minimum stay requirement and can only be rented for a maximum of 200 nights per year.
City officials said the measures are designed to reduce party-related complaints and prevent residential properties from operating as full-time hotels.
Hosts will also be required to provide a local emergency contact available 24 hours a day, complete safety checklists, allow property inspections and comply with occupancy limits based on fire and building regulations.
The licensing system will apply whether operators rent an entire property or just a portion of their home.
Salt Lake City will also limit short-term rental concentration in larger buildings, with only 10 per cent of units eligible for licences in developments containing more than 10 apartments.
The city said the new framework will improve enforcement and help balance tourism demand with housing availability.
Salt Lake City currently has between 1,600 and 1,900 active short-term rental listings and has tightened oversight in recent years, including restricting the use of accessory dwelling units as holiday accommodation.
Unlicensed operators could face fines of up to $1,000 every seven days, while repeated violations may result in licence suspension or revocation.
Highlights:
- Salt Lake City will introduce its first short-term rental licensing scheme from 1 July
- Properties will be limited to 200 rental nights per year
- A new two-night minimum stay requirement has been introduced
- Hosts must provide a local emergency contact and comply with safety inspections
- The city says the measures will improve enforcement and reduce neighbourhood disruption
