Rating: 0

Bill Summary:

Senate Bill 1162 amends Section 67-6539, Idaho Code, to expand and clarify statewide regulations concerning short-term rentals (STRs). The bill prohibits counties and cities from imposing restrictions on STRs that differ from those placed on other residential properties, including bans on proximity requirements, inspections, mandatory insurance, or occupancy limits. It affirms that STRs are residential land uses for zoning purposes. However, the bill also authorizes local governments to require a business license for STRs and to collect annual licensing fees. A license may be revoked for failure to pay fees or for three or more ordinance violations within a 12-month period, including those committed by guests or property managers. The bill further requires STR owners to disclose to renters the presence or absence of certain safety features, including smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, first aid kits, and egress in basement sleeping rooms. The bill includes an emergency clause and takes effect July 1, 2025.

Reason for Rating:
S1162 attempts to reinforce property rights by preempting discriminatory local restrictions on short-term rentals and establishing statewide consistency in regulation. However, it undermines its own intent by authorizing new regulatory burdens, such as local licensure, recurring fees, and disclosure mandates that do not apply to standard residential property owners. It further allows for license revocation based on the actions of third parties, which introduces liability without due process. While the bill offers some protections against local overreach, it ultimately imposes new layers of government control at the state level. These conflicting elements offset one another, resulting in a neutral rating.