Cities Where Airbnb Is Effectively Banned
These cities have some of the strictest short-term rental regulations in the US, making it extremely difficult or impossible to operate an Airbnb. (3 cities)
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
Several major US cities have enacted regulations so restrictive that operating a short-term rental is effectively impossible. These bans typically came after years of community pushback over housing affordability, neighborhood disruption, and rapid growth of investor-owned rental properties. If you own property in one of these markets, understanding the specific restrictions is critical — operating without compliance can result in steep fines, legal action, and platform delisting. Some of these cities still allow limited owner-occupied homestays, so the situation may not be a total dead end depending on your property type.
| City | Status |
|---|---|
| Maui County, Hawaii | Effectively Banned |
| New York City, New York (WC) | Effectively Banned |
| Salt Lake City, Utah | Effectively Banned |
City-by-City Highlights
Maui County, Hawaii Effectively Banned
Ordinance 5909 (signed Dec 2025) phases out all apartment-zoned vacation rentals — STR use must cease by Jan 1, 2029 in West Maui and Jan 1, 2031 elsewhere. Existing STRH and B&B permits remain but are capped. Legal challenges are pending.
New York City, New York Effectively Banned
Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.
Salt Lake City, Utah Effectively Banned
Traditional STRs (Airbnb-style) are prohibited in all residential zones. Short-term lodging is only permitted in downtown and mixed-use zoning districts, where operators must meet hotel/motel-class licensing and building standards.