Court Seems Skeptical of Las Vegas County Attempt to Regulate STRs

9/22/2026

A Ninth Circuit panel appeared skeptical of Clark County’s short-term rental licensing program during arguments over a lower court's injunction blocking the county from requiring licenses. Clark County argued the restriction is too broad and that renting property is not an inherent property right, while the Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association argued the county’s licensing system is flawed and fails to provide adequate due process. The county said it has approved 175 applications, denied 141, and has about 500 applications still pending. With the regulations on hold, property owners currently do not need licenses to operate STRs. Judges questioned the county’s discretion in approving or denying applications and its handling of the licensing process. The appeals court did not issue a decision.

Courthouse News Service (09/14/26) Alan Riquelmy

Why It Matters: The ruling could shape local licensing discretion and due-process protections for STR operators across the Ninth Circuit.