Defined in Utah State Code (as amended) in §10-8-85.4 (for municipalities) and §17-50-338 (for counties) a short-term rental means a residential unit or any portion of a residential unit that the owner of record or the lessee of the residential unit offers for occupancy for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days.
Over recent years, the topic of short-term rentals (commonly known as STRs) has become an important part of local government dialogue due to the increase in their demand, primarily driven by popular website hosting companies such as Airbnb, Rent By Owner, and VRBO (Vacation Rentals By Owner), but also partly due to changing economic conditions across the United States.
By utilizing these platforms, property owners can make home ownership more affordable by listing and renting out single rooms within their home or even renting out their entire home to travelers for additional income to support their families. As a by-product STRs are often highly debated by community residents in terms of their locations, quantities, and impacts (perceived or other).
Special Note: The Office of the Property Rights Ombudsman has provided funding for this training program from the 1% surcharge on all building permits in the State of Utah.
