Alex’s upstairs neighbors were dancers, but it wasn’t until they moved out — and the unit appeared on the short-term rental website Airbnb — that the noise began to bother her.

Short-term rentals, or STRs — often listed on websites such as Airbnb and VRBO — were originally seen as options designed for flexible travel that helped homeowners supplement their income. As their popularity has grown, cities have responded with ordinances intended to provide some checks and balances, such as requirements that owners register the units and the address is their primary residence.

Officials said the ordinances are designed to create accountability between owners and neighbors who are accommodating the presence of STRs, as well as supporting municipal revenue with fees and enforcing safety regu

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