Navigating the Legal Landscape Before You Buy
Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. Operating without proper permits risks fines, cease-and-desist orders, and platform delistings. This chapter gives you a complete compliance checklist and shows you how to research regulations in any market.
Check city/county zoning ordinances BEFORE making an offer. STR restrictions can make a property worthless.
Required permits vary by market: business license, STR permit, health inspection, fire safety certificate.
HOA rules override local law. Get the full HOA document set and have an attorney review STR restrictions.
Platform compliance: Airbnb and VRBO require permit numbers in listings in most regulated markets.
Build a 'regulatory moat': properties in markets with strict permit caps are more valuable because supply is limited.