News You Can Use – January 20, 2026 – TOP STORY: Colorado proposes tax on vacant homes

Today’s update continues to highlight attacks on STRs all across the nation.

1) TOP STORY: Colorado — Vacant Home Tax Proposed

State legislators have introduced a bill that would allow voters to approve a tax on homes left vacant for more than 90 days a year. Supporters argue the measure would incentivize long-term rentals and generate revenue for affordable housing, while opponents fear it unfairly targets second homeowners and short-term rental operators. Links: – Denver Post – Post Independent

2) Arizona — New Bills Target ADUs and Control

Lawmakers are advancing legislation that would prohibit the use of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) as short-term rentals, seeking to preserve them for long-term housing. Additional proposals aim to restore more regulatory power to local municipalities to manage rental density and enforcement. Links: – Axios – KPVI

3) Las Vegas, NV — Ban Upheld in Court

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit from an apartment owner seeking to block the city’s ban on short-term rentals in multi-family complexes. The ruling reinforces the city’s authority to restrict vacation rentals to owner-occupied residences to protect housing stock. Links: – Bloomberg Law

4) Kane County, IL — Regulations Approved

The County Board has approved a new ordinance establishing a licensing framework for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. The rules include safety inspections, occupancy limits, and a requirement for a local contact person to handle complaints. Links: – Chicago Tribune

5) Dearborn, MI — City Sued Over Restrictions

A group of property owners has filed a lawsuit against the city, alleging that recent amendments to the zoning ordinance effectively ban short-term rentals in violation of state law. The plaintiffs argue the restrictions infringe on their property rights and cause significant financial loss. Links: – Detroit News

6) Park Township, MI — Ban Challenged

Short-term rental owners have sued the township in federal court, arguing that a ban on vacation rentals is unconstitutional. This legal action escalates a long-standing dispute over whether short-term renting should be a permitted use in residential zones. Links: – MLive

7) Summit County, UT — Hotline Launched

County officials have launched a new 24/7 hotline and online portal for residents to report non-compliant short-term rentals and noise disturbances. The initiative aims to improve enforcement response times and gather better data on nuisance properties. Links: – ABC4

8) Harrison Township, MI — Proposal Sparks Tension

A proposed ordinance to regulate short-term rentals has drawn heated debate from residents concerned about party houses and neighborhood safety. The township is considering a cap on the number of rentals and stricter operational standards to address these issues. Links: – ClickOnDetroit

9) Tybee Island, GA — Lawsuit Analysis

Real estate analysts are closely watching a lawsuit filed by property owners against the city's short-term rental regulations, noting it could set a precedent for coastal markets. The case centers on the transferability of permits and the city's ability to limit rental density. Links: – Realtor.com

10) Carson City, NV — Public Input Sought

The city is holding a series of public workshops to gather feedback on proposed rules for short-term rentals. Officials are looking to update the code to better address parking, noise, and safety requirements before finalizing legislation. Links: – Nevada Appeal

11) Iowa City, IA — Housing Competition

Local reports indicate that investors purchasing homes for short-term rentals are increasingly competing with first-time homebuyers for entry-level properties. Housing advocates are calling for policy interventions to prioritize owner-occupancy. Links: – KCRG

12) Portland, ME — Opinion: Rules Backfiring

An opinion piece argues that the city's strict short-term rental regulations are failing to achieve their housing goals and are instead hurting local property owners. The author suggests that the current registration cap is too restrictive and encourages an underground market. Links: – Portland Press Herald

Questions or concerns about how these stories might impact Newport Beach STRs? Feel free to reach out — we’re here to help.

Check back everyday for News You Can Use.