Arlington has become the latest Texas city to consider regulating short-term rentals (STRs). In response to complaints about “party houses,” the city has been discussing what to do about the problem. The Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports: The city has already held town hall meetings where residents have complained that party houses pop up and cause…
In recent years, much controversy has arisen over companies such as Airbnb and Uber. Airbnb and Uber are the poster boys of the “sharing economy”–a technological revolution that has allowed millions to become successful entrepreneurs. That revolution has been successful because it enables individuals to circumvent the regulatory cronyism that dominates many industries, such as…
In recent years, much controversy has arisen over companies such as Airbnb and Uber. These two companies are the poster boys of the “sharing economy”–a technological revolution that has allowed millions to become successful entrepreneurs. City governments (as well as some state and national governments) have fought back and enacted a multitude of restrictions and…
Across America, the owners of short-term rental (STR) properties are under attack. Legislators are passing laws to restrict, and in some cases ban, short-term rentals. While the critics make a variety of claims about STRs, two essential principles unite these claims. In this course, you will learn the meaning and nature of property rights, the…
San Antonio is considering new regulations for short-term rentals (STRs). Unfortunately, some STR owners welcome the new regulations. For example, Jim Smith, who owns five STRs, supports the regulations because of financial concerns. He believes that those who aren’t paying the city’s hotel tax have an unfair advantage, and he wants that to change. This…
In the 2017 legislative session, Texas lawmakers considered numerous bills aimed at limiting the ability of local governments to pass ordinances regulating private property. One of these bills addressed short-term rentals (STRs). According to the Texas Tribune, proponents of SB451 (the Senate bill addressing STRs), said that the bill “would protect homeowners from strict local…