New STR laws sometimes lack funds for enforcement

Cities across the country are outlining more stringent rules for short-term rentals. But in some cities, including Los Angeles, the resources for enforcement are lacking. 

The L.A. police have been warning the city council for months that officers were not prepared to handle new permitting regulations on STRs and need more time to begin enforcement of the law that took effect on July 1. 

The Police Commission’s interim executive director, Django Sibley, said police have “neither the infrastructure nor the staffing that would be required to implement” the so-called Responsible Hotel Ordinance. 

The new law requires a police permit for STRs and hotels with the goal of cracking down on party houses. The L.A. Police Commission launched a website to help streamline applications, but is not yet taking action on those who don't comply with the permit requirement. 

Commission officials have argued the city should “establish an office dedicated to the administration and enforcement” of the new law, or delay its enactment by a year.

The proposal reflects recent action in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where city officials approved funding for a temporary "short-term rental enforcement" position. 

The goal of the new position is to ensure "proactive enforcement of the STR ordinance's requirements and prohibitions." Currently, Fayetteville's STR rules are enforced on a "complaint basis." 

Below, please find Property Guard's weekly short term rental regulation round-up, highlighting state and local news regarding short term rental regulations to regulate (or prohibit) Airbnbs and other STRs. If you want a comprehensive data solution on STR regulations in all 20,000 state and local jurisdictions, contact us here.

New and Proposed Regulations:

• Massachusetts: Gov. Maura Healey signed a bill into law that allows accessory dwelling units and dictates that "no municipality shall unreasonably restrict the creation or rental of an accessory dwelling unit." (link) 
• Colorado: The Colorado Association of Ski Towns is advocating for new taxes on short-term rentals. (link) 
• Woodstock, New Hampshire: Residents voted to enforce a short-term rental ordinance that caps the number of owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs. (link) 
• Park, Michigan: Local officials, concerned that STRs are harming the local housing market, are considering a ban in the beach town that's home to Holland State Park. (link)

Other Noteworthy News:

• Branching out: Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky says the company plans to expand its services beyond short-term rentals, with additions like co-hosting, guest services, relaunched traveler “experiences,” and more. (link) 
• Racking up fines: A Las Vegas, Nevada, property owner faces $55,000 in fines for operating an illegal short-term rental. (link) 
• Sale slowdowns: Sale closings on vacation rentals has slowed on Maui since the mayor announced a proposed phase out of thousands of STRs in apartment-zoned districts. (link)