Overview and Explicit Answer: Are STRs Allowed in Laughlin, NV?

Yes, short‑term rentals are allowed in Laughlin. Laughlin is within unincorporated Clark County. Short‑term rentals in unincorporated Clark County are authorized under Nevada Assembly Bill 363 (AB363), which mandated Clark County to enact a licensing framework for short‑term rentals. Clark County adopted that framework in Chapter 7.100 of the Clark County Code on June 21, 2022.

Important operational reality: Operating an STR in unincorporated Clark County (including Laughlin) without a valid, unexpired Short‑Term Rental Unit license is unlawful and subject to enforcement. As of April 15, 2024, the application window for new Short‑Term Rental Unit licenses is closed; late or incomplete applications are not being accepted. The next opening, if any, will be determined by the Board of County Commissioners.

Source references:

• Clark County Short‑Term Rentals landing page
• County’s AB363 ordinance background
• AB363 Overview (Nevada Legislature)

How to Start a STR Business in This Market (Current Status and Practical Path)

Given the closed application window, new entrants should follow these steps to position for future opportunities and ensure full compliance if/when the window reopens:

1. Verify your property’s jurisdiction

• Confirm the subject property lies in unincorporated Clark County (Laughlin) using the County’s “Which Jurisdiction Am I In?” mapping tool.
• If the property is inside an incorporated city (e.g., Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas), different rules apply. This guide focuses on Laughlin/unincorporated Clark County.

2. Confirm eligibility (used when the application window is open) Under Clark County Code Chapter 7.100, applicants are generally required to be natural persons (individuals), not legal entities; the property must be a lawful residential dwelling; and hosts are typically expected to be owner‑occupants.

3. Prepare your documentation now Even though new applications are not accepted, assembling your package will allow you to submit immediately if/when the window reopens:

• Proof of ownership or legal right to occupy.
• Valid government‑issued ID for the owner.
• Proof of liability insurance meeting county requirements.
• Local contact information for guests and the neighborhood.
• Good Neighbor brochure acceptance/acknowledgment.

4. Submit during the next application window (if/when reopened) Clark County previously used a pre‑application and random selection process. Monitor the County STR webpage for a re‑opening announcement and follow the posted instructions.

5. Comply post‑licensing

• Display the STR license number in all listings and advertisements.
• Collect and remit all applicable transient lodging and related taxes.
• Maintain the property in safe and legal condition.
• Ensure quiet hours and occupancy limits are observed.
• Post the County’s “Good Neighbor” brochure in the unit and keep it visible to guests.
• Maintain records and make them available to inspectors.

6. Operate within the current window constraints

• If you already hold a valid Clark County Short‑Term Rental Unit license, continue to operate in full compliance with Chapter 7.100, including inspection and enforcement provisions.
• If you do not currently hold a license, you may not operate an STR in unincorporated Clark County (including Laughlin).

7. Tax and reporting compliance

• Register for transient lodging tax collection and remittance per state and county requirements.
• File periodic tax returns and keep guest logs for audit purposes.

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Core requirement

• Valid Clark County Short‑Term Rental Unit business license issued under Chapter 7.100. This license is the primary operating authorization for STRs in unincorporated Clark County (including Laughlin).

Key application documents (when the window is open)

• Ownership verification or written authorization from the owner.
• Valid government ID for the owner‑applicant.
• Proof of liability insurance meeting county standards.
• Local contact information and emergency contacts.
• Acknowledgment and adherence to the Clark County “Good Neighbor” brochure.

Ongoing compliance materials to maintain on‑site

• County “Good Neighbor” brochure (post in the unit; make visible to guests).
• License number posted in all advertisements/listings and inside the unit.
• Guest register and records supporting tax filings.
• Proof of current insurance and license upon request by inspectors.

Guidance resources

• Good Neighbor brochure (PDF)
• STR Application timeline and process resources (PDFs)

Specific Regulations (City/County/State)

Clark County (unincorporated, including Laughlin)

• Authorization: AB363 mandated counties to authorize STRs in residential areas while allowing reasonable regulation. Clark County implemented this through Chapter 7.100 of the Clark County Code, enacted June 21, 2022.
• Licensing requirement: Operation of an STR in unincorporated Clark County requires a valid, unexpired Short‑Term Rental Unit license issued by the County.
• Application window status: Closed as of Aug. 21, 2023. The County has continued review of previously submitted applications and issued denials for incomplete or ineligible submissions as of April 15, 2024. The next application period, if any, will be set by the Board of County Commissioners.
• Enforcement: Operating without a valid license is unlawful and may result in enforcement action under Clark County Code 7.100.230.
• Non‑conforming use rules and other operational standards are addressed in Chapter 7.100 and related county ordinances. Operators must comply with all applicable county requirements (e.g., occupancy, safety, quiet hours) as codified.

State of Nevada

• AB363 (2021 Session) is the statewide framework that required Clark County and other counties to authorize STRs and set up licensing and oversight for hosts and accommodation facilitators (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo).
• Transient lodging tax: State law authorizes counties to impose a transient lodging tax on the rental of rooms or spaces for fewer than 30 days. Hosts must register, collect, and remit the tax per county rules. The specific rate and local add‑ons are set by county ordinance. You are responsible for registering and filing returns even if a platform remits taxes on your behalf.

City‑level note for Laughlin

• Laughlin itself is not an incorporated city; it falls under Clark County jurisdiction. Separate city ordinances in nearby incorporated municipalities do not apply in Laughlin.

Enforcement and risk

• If you list or operate an STR without a valid Clark County license in Laughlin/unincorporated Clark County, you are subject to citations, penalties, and potential listing removal actions by platforms acting under AB363 and County requirements.

Contact Information (Local Authority)

Clark County Department of Business License – Short‑Term Rentals

• Phone: 702‑455‑4252
• Email: STR@ClarkCountyNV.gov
• Address: 500 S. Grand Central Pkwy, 3rd Floor, Las Vegas, NV 89155
• Hours: Mon–Thu, 7:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Fri–Sun closed

For general AB363 implementation questions within Clark County

• Email: STRComment@clarkcountynv.gov

Links to Source Pages and Key Resources

• Clark County Short‑Term Rentals page: www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/
• AB363 overview (Nevada Legislature): www.leg.state.nv.us/App/NELIS/REL/81st2021/Bill/7933/Overview
• Clark County Code Chapter 7.100 (Short‑Term Rentals): library.municode.com/nv/clark_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT7BURE_CH7.100SHRMREUN
• STR Application Projected Timeline (PDF): main--clarkcountynv--aemsites.aem.page/assets/documents/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/str-timeline-final-web-version-revised-002.pdf
• STR License Informational Map: ccgismo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=8aef3548c506431d8ad2820c99b5c0f5
• STR Frequently Asked Questions: www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/frequently-asked-questions
• STR Application Period Notification Letter (PDF): www.clarkcountynv.gov/assets/documents/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/notification-letter-for-short-term-rental-unit-licenses-in-unincorporated-clark-county.pdf
• Pre‑Application Random Number Selection Results (PDF): www.clarkcountynv.gov/assets/documents/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/business-license-short-term-rental-random-number-selection-pre-application-results.pdf
• Good Neighbor Brochure (PDF): www.clarkcountynv.gov/assets/documents/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/divisions/regulated_business/short_term_rentals/short-term-rental-unit-good-neighbor-brochure.pdf
• AB363 background and community resources (Clark County Intergovernmental Relations): www.clarkcountynv.gov/government/departments/administrative_services/intergovernmental_relations/short-term-rentals
• Transient Lodging Guidance (County resource): www.clarkcountynv.gov/business/doing_business_with_clark_county/transient-lodging-guidance

Notes on fees, taxes, and platform obligations

• Fees, tax rates, and accommodation facilitator obligations (e.g., listing removal thresholds) are set in the County’s ordinances and supporting administrative guidance. Consult the County’s STR pages and Chapter 7.100 for current specifics and updates.

This guide reflects the status as of the provided materials. Because application windows and compliance requirements can change, investors should monitor the County’s STR website and subscribe to STR update alerts for any future changes to licensing or operational rules.