Illegal short-term housing rentals on sites like AirBnB and VRBO are threatening the well-being of our neighbors and the character of our community.
Replacing long-term, local tenants with temporary visitors who don’t work, live, or add to our community erodes the fabric of our neighborhoods. How can I know and care about my neighbors if my neighbors are a revolving cast of tourists? Illegal AirBnBs are also disruptive to those who live and work here — there’s a reason hotels aren’t generally permitted in residential areas.
Owners of illegal short-term rentals flaunt zoning requirements and avoid paying Transient Occupancy Taxes, obtaining business licenses, and ensuring health and safety standards are met. During COVID-19, illegal AirBnBs put neighborhoods at risk of infection and encourage unsafe practices, such as non-essential travel, and there’s no way to ensure they adhere to appropriate preventative measures.