STR rules splinter globally
South Africa’s Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille published a Draft Code of Good Practice for Airbnb‑style platforms this week — a national‑level push into STR oversight (x.com). In the U.S., DC’s mayor proposed allowing renters to host short‑term rentals with special licenses and Idaho is eyeing looser STR rules — both moves that could widen who can legally list (x.com) (x.com). Scotland rejected exemptions for short‑term lets during the Commonwealth Games, and insurers warned hosts this week that some STR activity may void home insurance — a compliance and liability double‑whammy (x.com) (x.com).
The Draft Code was officially gazetted on March 15, 2026 and the Department of Tourism set a 60‑day public comment period under the Tourism Act, section 8(a). (gov.za)) The published draft text explicitly defines “platform / accommodation facilitator” and includes named sections on “Guidelines for Responsible Hosting,” “Guidelines for Responsible Short‑Term Rental Facilitation by Platforms,” and a dedicated “Health and Safety” chapter. (tourism.gov.za)) Mayor Muriel Bowser introduced the Short‑Term Rental Regulation Amendment Act of 2026 on March 13, 2026, which creates a new “special event” short‑term rental license that allows renters to list during mayor‑designated events and removes the owner‑presence requirement for those licenses. (dlcp.dc.gov)) Idaho’s HB 583 passed the Senate 23–12, was delivered to the governor in mid‑March and was signed into law March 16, 2026, classifying STRs closer to residential use and barring most local rules that single out STRs; the law takes effect July 1, 2026. (kivitv.com)) Glasgow’s licensing committee rejected temporary short‑term‑let exemptions for the Commonwealth Games after a public consultation (Dec. 9–Feb. 2) that drew 69 responses, with 48% opposed and 43% in favour; the Games run July 23–August 2, 2026 and the council cited public‑safety and quality concerns in its decision. (theglasgowreporter.co.uk)) Industry and regulator briefs this month warned that standard homeowners policies commonly contain a “business activity” exclusion, platform protection programs are not full insurance, and standalone STR policies now typically run $1,000–$3,000+ per year while some cities require $500K–$1M liability for permits. (insurancebusinessmag.com))
