Property Owners Win in STR Cases with Realtor Associations’ Backing
Two recent court victories strengthened property owners’ ability to operate short-term rentals, with support from the National Association of Realtors and state Realtor groups. In Ohio, an appellate court ruled that STRs did not violate an HOA restriction against “commercial” activity because the properties remained residential in use. In Idaho, the state Supreme Court ruled that Lava Hot Springs could not effectively ban non-owner-occupied STRs in residential areas when state law limited local restrictions. Both cases focused on private property rights and limits on local restrictions. REALTOR associations argued that the rulings could establish broader legal protections for homeowners who want to rent their properties on a short-term basis.
National Association of Realtors (09/22/26) Eliana Block
Why It Matters: The Ohio and Idaho decisions provide additional legal precedent that may limit certain HOA and local-government restrictions on STR activity. The cases also demonstrate the growing role of state law and property-rights arguments in challenges to local STR regulations.
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