Wyoming Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Wyoming, Michigan?

Based on the provided sources, the short-term rental regulations in Wyoming, Michigan are quite restrictive. The City Council of Wyoming adopted a new section to the city code that effectively prohibits short-term rentals in all residential districts, defining short-term rentals as the rental or subletting of any dwelling for a term of 27 days or less.

This move was prompted by complaints about an Airbnb rental property in the city. The regulations include exceptions for certain situations like occupancy by family members, prior owners, personal representatives, and house sitters.

However, the enforcement of these rules is complaint-based, meaning they will only be enforced when complaints are received. The regulations also emphasize the importance of adhering to HOA rules, lease agreements, and tenant organization regulations to ensure compliance and respect for community guidelines.

Teton County, within Wyoming, has its own unique regulations that require rentals to span a minimum duration of 31 days, prioritizing longer-term stays over transient lodging. The county strictly enforces this rule, allowing exceptions only in specific developments that have been approved for short-term rentals. The regulations aim to protect the locality and community ethos from overtourism, ensuring the region's scenic allure remains unspoiled.While Wyoming's regulations are currently in place, pending legislation at the state level could potentially impact these local regulations. House Bill 4503 and Senate Bill 329 aim to prevent local governments from banning short-term rentals, defining them as those less than 28 days.

If these bills are passed, they could supersede Wyoming's attempt to limit short-term rentals.In summary, Wyoming, Michigan has stringent regulations on short-term rentals, with a focus on prohibiting such rentals in residential areas and emphasizing compliance with various rules and regulations to maintain community harmony and respect for local ordinances.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Wyoming

• Wyoming has adopted regulations that effectively prohibit short-term rentals in residential districts, defining them as rentals under 27 days1. This limits where short-term rentals can be operated.
• The city of Cheyenne currently lacks specific short-term rental regulations, giving property owners more flexibility in offering homes as Airbnbs2. However, hosts should still be mindful of broader safety and tax regulations.
• The town of Jackson requires short-term rental hosts to secure a Basic Use Permit and short-term rental license2. Cody bases its regulations on zoning districts, requiring registration and lodging tax payments2.
• At the state level, Wyoming legislates a uniform 4% vacation rental sales tax and 5% lodging tax on all short-term rentals2. Hosts must register and collect these taxes.
• Some cities like Plympton-Wyoming are currently reviewing policies to determine if short-term rentals should be licensed, regulated or restricted4. Proposed regulations are under consideration.

In summary, while Wyoming lacks overarching statewide short-term rental laws, local jurisdictions have adopted varying regulations that hosts must navigate. Restrictions, licensing requirements and tax obligations differ by city and county. Aspiring short-term rental hosts should research the specific rules for their location before starting a business.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Wyoming

There is no specific mention of a licensing requirement for short-term rentals in Wyoming. The new section added to the city code focuses on prohibiting short-term rentals rather than regulating them. This lack of regulation may lead to a lack of oversight and enforcement, potentially allowing some hosts to operate short-term rentals despite the prohibition.

Without a licensing requirement, the city may have difficulty tracking and monitoring short-term rental activity. This could make it challenging to ensure that hosts are complying with local regulations and paying any required taxes or fees.

It may also make it harder for the city to address any issues or complaints related to short-term rentals.

Required Documents for Wyoming Short Term Rentals

No specific documents are mentioned as being required for short-term rentals in Wyoming. The new city code section does not outline any documentation needed to operate a short-term rental. This lack of documentation requirement may make it easier for hosts to start operating short-term rentals without complying with local regulations.

Without any documentation requirements, hosts may not be required to provide information about their properties, the number of guests they plan to accommodate, or their plans for managing the rental. This could make it difficult for the city to ensure that short-term rentals are operating safely and in compliance with local codes and ordinances.

Wyoming Short Term Rental Taxes

The article does not provide any information about taxes related to short-term rentals in Wyoming. Taxes are not mentioned as part of the new city code section. This lack of information makes it difficult for hosts to understand their tax obligations and plan accordingly.

If the city does not provide clear guidance on the tax implications of operating a short-term rental, hosts may be unsure of how to properly report their rental income and may inadvertently underpay or overpay their taxes.

This could lead to issues with the IRS or state tax authorities and may also make it harder for the city to collect any local taxes or fees related to short-term rentals.

Wyoming wide Short Term Rental Rules

The new section added to the city code prohibits short-term rentals in all of Wyoming's residential districts. It includes a handful of exceptions, such as for occupancy by family members, prior owners, personal representatives, and house sitters. Campgrounds, hotel rooms, transitional housing, group homes, and health facilities are also not included in the definition of short-term rentals. This broad definition and prohibition may impact a significant number of properties in the city.

By prohibiting short-term rentals in all residential areas, the city may be limiting the options available to travelers looking to stay in Wyoming. This could lead to higher prices for hotel rooms and other accommodations, as well as a potential decrease in tourism revenue for the city.

It may also impact the income potential for residents who had planned to supplement their income by renting out their homes on a short-term basis.

Does Wyoming strictly enforce STR rules? Is Wyoming Airbnb friendly? Do hosts operate in Wyoming despite the rules?

The article suggests that Wyoming is not particularly Airbnb friendly, as the city has adopted rules prohibiting short-term rentals in residential areas. However, the enforcement of these rules is complaint-based, meaning they will only be enforced when complaints are received. This approach may lead to inconsistent enforcement and potentially allow some hosts to operate short-term rentals without facing consequences.

Mayor Jack Poll acknowledged that the rules would be difficult to enforce. Council members Kent Vanderwood and Marissa Postler expressed reservations about the restrictions, with Postler saying she felt uneasy about limiting every resident's right to rent out their home based on a single incident. This lack of support from local officials may indicate that the rules are not strictly enforced and that hosts may operate short-term rentals despite the prohibition.

If the city does not actively enforce its short-term rental rules, it may be difficult to ensure that all hosts are complying with local regulations. This could lead to an uneven playing field, where some hosts follow the rules while others operate without consequences. It may also make it harder for the city to address any issues or complaints related to short-term rentals, as they may not have a clear understanding of where these rentals are located or how they are being operated.

The article does not provide specific information about whether hosts operate in Wyoming despite the rules. However, the complaint-based enforcement and difficulty in enforcing the rules may allow some hosts to continue operating short-term rentals in the city. This could lead to a situation where some hosts are operating illegally, while others are following the rules and potentially facing higher costs or reduced income as a result.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Wyoming

Ensure your property is located in a commercial or other non-residential district, as short-term rentals are prohibited in residential areas.

Be prepared to respond to any complaints about your short-term rental, as the city will only enforce the rules when complaints are received.

Stay informed about any changes to the city's short-term rental regulations, as the article mentions that the rules can be rescinded if they prove ineffective or cause harm.

If a host is able to locate their property in a commercial or non-residential district, they may be able to operate a short-term rental despite the city's prohibition. However, they will need to be prepared to respond to any complaints from neighbors or other community members who may object to the presence of a short-term rental in their area.

Hosts will also need to stay informed about any changes to the city's short-term rental regulations, as the article suggests that the rules could be rescinded if they prove ineffective or cause harm. This could mean that a host who is able to operate a short-term rental today may not be able to do so in the future if the city decides to change its approach.

Who to contact in Wyoming about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

The article does not provide specific contact information for inquiries about short-term rental regulations and zoning in Wyoming. However, it mentions that Planning can be contacted at 616-530-7259 for further assistance with the Zoning Ordinance. This lack of clear contact information may make it difficult for hosts to get the information they need to comply with local regulations.

Without a clear point of contact for short-term rental inquiries, hosts may have to navigate the city's bureaucracy to find the right department or individual to speak with. This could lead to delays and frustration, and may make it harder for hosts to stay informed about local regulations and zoning requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts in Wyoming on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

the sentiment among Airbnb hosts in Wyoming regarding local regulations appears to be mixed. Here are some key points from the sources:

• Some users on Reddit and Bigger Pockets express skepticism and criticism towards Bigger Pockets, suggesting that the platform has become more commercialized and less trustworthy over time45. They mention a shift in content quality and a focus on selling rather than providing genuine help and connection for investors.
• Users on Reddit discuss their experiences with Bigger Pockets, highlighting issues with the site's design changes, search function, and overall user experience45. Some express frustration with the platform's evolution and the perceived decline in content quality.
• Despite the criticism, there are still mentions of valuable information and resources on Bigger Pockets, with users acknowledging that the platform can offer useful insights for real estate investors, especially beginners45. Some users credit the Bigger Pockets Real Estate Podcast for helping them grow their real estate portfolios successfully.
• The discussion on Reddit and Bigger Pockets reflects a range of opinions, from disappointment with the platform's changes to appreciation for the resources and information it provides45. Users emphasize the importance of discerning valuable content from promotional material and highlight the need to find targeted resources once investors have established their niche in the real estate market.

In conclusion, Airbnb hosts in Wyoming, as reflected in the Reddit and Bigger Pockets discussions, have varying perspectives on local regulations and platforms like Bigger Pockets. While some express concerns about the commercialization and trustworthiness of Bigger Pockets, others still find value in the platform's resources and information for real estate investing.