A group of Clark County property owners has initiated a federal lawsuit against Clark County and the state of Nevada, challenging restrictions on short-term rentals in Southern Nevada. The Greater Las Vegas Short-Term Rental Association and several individual members claim that these regulations are unconstitutional, seeking an injunction to halt the enforcement of rules that began in September 2022.
The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Nevada, involves plaintiffs such as Jacqueline Flores and Louis Koorndyk, among other local property owners and businesses. Airbnb Inc. is also expected to join the lawsuit, adding significant support to the case.
At a news conference, Louis Koorndyk expressed concerns over the financial impact of the restrictions, noting that short-term rental income was crucial for his family’s healthcare expenses. Flores criticized the county’s rules, particularly the prohibition of short-term rental permits for properties within 2,500 feet of a resort hotel, questioning the motives behind such regulations.
The lawsuit alleges violations of multiple constitutional rights, including the First, Third, Fourth, Fifth, and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as sections of the Nevada Constitution. The plaintiffs argue that the county’s regulations infringe on property owners’ rights to lease their properties, imposing unlawful burdens on short-term rental platforms by demanding personal information and compliance without due process.
The county’s rules currently allow only 1 percent of residences to be licensed for short-term rentals, yet less than 180 permits have been issued, with over 500 applications pending. The plaintiffs highlight the financial and procedural hurdles faced by applicants, including significant upfront costs without assurance of obtaining a license. This legal challenge seeks to address these issues and restore what the plaintiffs see as their fundamental property rights.