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Airbnb Las Vegas Regulations: What Investors Need to Know

Airbnb short-term rentals have grown exponentially in the past decade. Tourists and tenants find the Airbnb platform an accessible way to find and match an accommodation to suit their vacation plans and desires.

While this sector has been witnessing a lucrative growth, government officials have been enforcing more laws so as to regulate it further. In some states, the regulatory environment has been daunting for investors as regulators have been enforcing more restrictions. In other states, Airbnb remains completely legal.

What are Airbnb regulations looking like for Las Vegas? Are Airbnb Las Vegas regulations stringent? Not really. Airbnb Las Vegas enjoys more flexible regulations than other cities such as San Francisco and Santa Monica. In fact, an Airbnb investment in Las Vegas sounds like a viable rental strategy to consider today.

In this article, we will tell you more about Airbnb Las Vegas and what Las Vegas real estate news 2018 is looking like. Given the newly stipulated regulations, as a real estate investor, you should learn carefully of the changes and how they may impact your real estate investments. Below, we will tell you about Airbnb Las Vegas regulations and more, in particular, Airbnb regulations by city.

Airbnb Las Vegas

An emerging trend, Airbnb went from having few customers to now supplying millions of rooms per night worldwide. Unlike the hotel industry, Airbnb enjoys features that make such an experience easier and more local. Las Vegas, particularly, has a unique investment position for Airbnb.

This is because first, Las Vegas welcomes tourism all year round. Unlike almost all other resort-oriented cities with well-defined seasons, Las Vegas is season-less. Airbnb Las Vegas, thus, enables real estate investors to enjoy a higher Airbnb occupancy rate and ROI.

Second, Las Vegas is a vacation destination city with a resort industry that is overriding the hotel industry. Tourists that come to Las Vegas are not looking for a hotel pool to sit by, they are more keen on embracing the local amenities and spending their time at the Beach. Renters and tourists look for a shared and more local experience.

Thus far, they resort to Airbnb. Landlords get to benefit too. Not only will landlords receive quick cash as they invest in the Airbnb Las Vegas real estate market, but they also get to learn of various cultures that temporarily live under their shelter.

For a real estate investor looking to invest in Las Vegas real estate market and particularly rental properties, we then recommend further investing in Airbnb Las Vegas. Wondering how to invest in Airbnb? Visit Mashvisor to learn about every step needed to proceed with your Airbnb investment.

Moreover, at Mashvisor, you have the advantage to use our Airbnb profit calculator, which will immensely help you realize your Airbnb investment numbers. The Airbnb calculator will calculate the return on investment an Airbnb investment property can generate on an annual basis. In short, it will reveal the rental potential of any rental properties you aim to invest in.

What are Airbnb Las Vegas regulations? And how will they impact your Airbnb investment?

Airbnb Las Vegas Regulations

Before investing in Airbnb Las Vegas, it is important that you clearly understand the regulations that govern each city. Each city and state may be different in regard to Airbnb regulations, and Airbnb Las Vegas has specific rules and regulations that govern Airbnb rentals. Below are the main taxes and codes that you need to comply with to become an Airbnb landlord:

  • Zoning Code: Refer to Title 19 of the Las Vegas Municipal Code for the complete Zoning Code. Short-term rentals differ from long-term rentals; in some areas renting for less than 30 days is not permitted. Refer to this code to learn of the eligibility of your investment property. This code will tell you whether you can rent your property as a bed and breakfast, hotel, motel, residence hotel or short-term residential rental.
  • Business License: In order to start renting your Airbnb investment, you must obtain a Business License from the Business Licensing Division. Failure to register could lead to fines, penalties, and/or disruption of the rental business. To learn more, visit LasVegasNevada.gov.
  • Short-Term Residential Rental Permit: Short-term rentals of 30 days and less require that you obtain this permit in order to operate. To receive the permit, you as a real estate investor ought to comply with noise regulations, parking requirements, and any other conditions. Reach out to the city’s Planning Department to learn more about the regulations and process.
  • Building Codes: Refer to Title 16 of the Las Vegas Municipal Code. Alongside the business license and permit, you must adhere to the building codes. The code will tell you all about the requirements for design, maintenance, and construction of the property. It will, moreover, explain the safety, health and habitability regulations that you need to comply with.
  • Transient Lodging Tax: Finally, you ought to pay this tax if you are renting for less than 30 days. Both Cook County and the City of Las Vegas charge a transient lodging tax for hotels, vacation rentals, inns and other short-term rentals.

Airbnb Las Vegas: More About Special Use Permit and License

Let’s talk a bit more about the licensing and permits. To rent short-term rentals in the city of Las Vegas, you must obtain a business license for $500 per year per rental unit. In addition, a new law has been stipulated last year requiring investors to obtain a Special Use Permit for their rental unit.

Obtaining both the SUP and the license have also proven to be assiduous, thus, discouraging real estate investors to invest in Airbnb Las Vegas. In fact, last year, the city received over 130 applications approving and granting only 32 Special Use Permits and licenses. Despite the new law, Airbnb Las Vegas is more lenient as compared to other cities.

Airbnb Las Vegas Regulations by City

Where is Airbnb legal in Las Vegas? Is it really one of the best cities for Airbnb investment 2018?

While Airbnb Las Vegas is thriving, you must study neighborhood regulations pertaining to Airbnb before investing. One town’s regulations can be a whole lot different than another. Take Henderson and unincorporated Clark County as an example.

The two towns do not allow short-term rentals (less than 30 days) within their residential areas. While on the other hand, North Las Vegas enjoys more lenient terms in regard to renting via Airbnb. In fact, North Las Vegas is one of the best places to invest in Airbnb rentals as they do not have a short-term rental ordinance.

Lastly, the city of Las Vegas is strict against violators of Airbnb short-term rentals law. Make sure to fully abide by the rules. Breaking the law may have you serve jail time and pay a $1,000 fine. Renting on a short-term basis in an area where it is not allowed is considered a misdemeanor for a zoning violation.

Unlike San Francisco and New York, where Airbnb regulations are highly stringent, Airbnb Las Vegas is laxer. And despite the new regulations that have been stipulated, Airbnb Las Vegas remains a hot investment for many.

If you are a real estate investor looking for a profitable and quick investment, then we recommend resorting to Airbnb Las Vegas. Airbnb hosts, as a matter of fact, do not only rent their properties, they also get to learn about cities, countries, and cultures, while not paying a penny. Make sure to assess your area regulations and rules before you start investing.

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Marian Khoury

Marian is an experienced content writer with a BA in economics who loves writing about everything real estate.

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