Aiming to balance tourism with community needs, new city regulations redefine short-term home rentals with strict guidelines and significant penalties for non-compliance.
- New regulations limit the ability to rent out homes for less than 30 days, except when the host is present during the stay.
- No more than two guests are allowed to stay at a time.
- Hosts as well as visitors must leave the interior doors within the rental unlocked, allowing occupants access to the entire unit. This includes bedroom doors, bathroom doors, and any other internal doors. This is likely a safety measure to ensure that guests have unrestricted access to all parts of the rental property.
- Hosts must ensure their registration application is approved to collect fees for short-term stays. Registration for Hosts.
- Violating these rules could lead to fines for hosts, with repeat offenders facing fines of up to $5,000.
The city’s rationale for these restrictions is to address the housing shortage, reduce the risk of crime, noise, and cleanliness issues associated with transient guests, and protect the interests of the hotel industry.