Short-term rentals (STRs) do have an impact on their communities but news often focuses on the potential negative impacts from noisy parties, parking issues, littering, wildlife risks and firearms.
Many people think the solution is to prohibit STRs in their neighborhoods. Some cities and counties have implemented various restrictions aimed at reducing the risk. But STRs are here to stay.
- Outright bans have not held up in court
- Requiring the owner to live in or be present in the house, as well as zoning restrictions on rentals of 29 days or fewer, are still working their way through the courts
- Limiting property owners’ rights costs a lot in legal fees and emotional stress
- Many STRs operate underground because regulations are too complicated
Jefferson County, Colorado, was a trendsetter in 2012 when they implemented the current STR regulations. Their primary restriction was requiring one acre of property to get a permit through a hearing similar to a zoning variance like setbacks or home-based business. But requiring those obstacles to getting a permit caused hundreds of Jeffco residents to go underground and just list their homes on AirBnB or VRBO anyway. Increasing penalties and enforcement for those people could slow it down but it would not get rid of all STRs.
Balanced, effective regulations that are easily-enforced provides a win for everyone. If owners, neighbors and guests are all responsible for protecting the rights of others then there is an opportunity for everyone to be better off.