HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-21-17 Public Comment - L. Taylor - Short Term RentalsFrom: Leslie Taylor <lesliehavingfun@gmail.com>
Date: May 21, 2017 at 9:27:18 PM MDT
To: <cwinn@bozeman.net>
Subject: Comments on regulation of short-term rentals
Hi,
I was unable to transmit my comments through the form. It kept saying I had not entered my
email address.
So, here are my comments:
The city needs to carefully consider the pros and cons of additional regulation of short term
rentals, particularly in the downtown area. For example, on the pro side, short term rentals bring
significant revenues into Bozeman and surrounding areas because guests spend on restaurants,
recreation, retail items, etc. Many of the guests which utilize short-term rentals would not even
visit Bozeman, or would be forced to stay for fewer days. In general, stays in STRs are less
costly than in hotels downtown or even surrounding areas. And they generally provide amenities
-- not available in hotels. From the homeowner perspective, owners face significant financial
challenges in owning Bozeman residential property. This is especially the case for senior
homeowners who may struggle to meet mortgage, tax, utility and maintenance expenses. For
some who make STRs available, the extra income allows them to age in place. Another factor
that should be considered in the case of STRs which are not owner-occupied, the owners have
substantial incentives to maintain and improve their properties. This actually results in better-
maintained neighborhoods. Most of the STR services are self-policing and ensure that the host
provides a safe and quality abode and the guests behave as if they were in their own home,
thereby minimizing inconvenience for adjacent neighbors. On the "con" side, are there actual
complaints from citizens? What is the nature of the complaints? In the case of nuisance incidents
at specific properties, there are processes in place to address them. Also, what is the evidence
that STRs are reducing the stock of affordable rentals in the area? STR providers are willing to
be licensed and pay occupancy taxes. Individual complaints can be handled through current
processes. Generally, in Bozeman, neighbors, including both residents and property owners go
out of their way to be considerate of adjacent property owners and work collegially to resolve
any issues. So, are more regulations a solution in search of a problem? Without more and
specific data on the pros and cons of STRs, the city should not impose new regulations.
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this issue.
Leslie Taylor
(301) 980-6525