A federal judge has temporarily blocked new rules in Clark County regarding short-term rental listings on platforms like Airbnb, pending the outcome of a federal lawsuit. The ruling was based on a preliminary injunction that favors the plaintiffs, who argued that the county’s regulations violate Section 230, which provides limited immunity to online platforms. The new regulations would have required platforms to monitor and verify listings for compliance with county licensing rules and imposed fines for non-compliance.
The lawsuit was filed by the Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association and Airbnb, challenging the county’s licensing rules as overly restrictive and inconsistent with Nevada state law that permits the short-term rental model. The county’s rules include a cap on licenses, separation requirements between rentals, and a lottery process for issuing licenses, which the plaintiffs argue is too burdensome and effectively bans most short-term rentals.
Airbnb praised the court’s decision as a significant victory for Nevada residents, indicating their ongoing battle against the county’s restrictions. The county, on the other hand, is reviewing the court order and has not yet commented on the ruling’s implications. The lawsuit highlights the tension between local regulations and the interests of short-term rental operators, with the association representing 856 homeowners in their challenge against the county’s approach.
