HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-17 Public Comment - W. Morris - Short Term Rentals1
Clerk Temp
From:Wendy Morris <wjmorris7@gmail.com>
Sent:Monday, May 22, 2017 10:28 AM
To:Agenda
Subject:Short Term Rental Input
Categories:Public Comment
Dear City Commissioners,
I currently rent a long term rental in downtown Bozeman. Prior to this I have stayed in many short
term rentals over the last 5 years.
I am aware that there is discussion regarding STRs and I wanted to share my experience and
thoughts as you consider the issues.
First of all, ALL of the short term rentals I have stayed in have been in excellent condition, both inside
and outside. The outside maintenance and yards are kept up and these homes are some of the most
attractive in their respective neighborhoods and likely increase property value for homes nearby.
My long term rental is not in the excellent condition of the STRs I've stayed in. I looked at many long
term rentals before choosing and the majority of them were in much worse condition than the STRs
I've experienced.
In general, people that rent STRs take better care of the homes than long term renters for a multitude
of reasons and the homeowners also take better care of STR homes than long term rental homes.
It is good for Bozeman to have STRs in town. It allows people to visit family and spend time in a
neighborhood and adds to the community. It also allows people to experience the essence of
Bozeman where they may consider becoming a long term renter or purchasing a home. It brings a lot
of revenue into downtown Bozeman. For some homeowners a STR allows them to stay in Bozeman,
pay taxes, and keep their jobs and families in the city they love. It would be a shame to lose all the
benefits of STRs for current residents, visitors, and the town.
2
When I rented various STRs I spoke with neighbors and they had no problems with the STRs. My
daughter lived close to a couple STRs and I’ve spent significant time in that neighborhood and never
had a negative experience due to those rentals and neither have they. There are always exceptions,
but that is the rule. Have there been a significant number of complaints regarding STRs based on
how they impact the neighborhood?
I am not familiar with the details, but aren’t there already rules in place regarding STRs as far as
upkeep, health, safety, and paying tax to the city? This seems to be a benefit to the city and current
residents in many ways.
Are there actually problems with STRs? If so, are the specific complaints being explored and are
those homeowners being held to the current standards?
How does the neighborhood and the city benefit from restricting STRs? The effect would seem to
potentially lead to less desirable homes in a neighborhood if converted to long term rentals and less
money for the city. I’ve heard some say that STRs contribute to the lack of affordable housing in
Bozeman. Eliminating them will not impact that. If the owners decide to sell these homes, which are in
desirable neighborhoods and in excellent condition, the market will allow top dollar. These homes will
not create more affordable housing in town.
In addition, in my limited exploration of this issue I saw that the city requested public input and most
were in favor of STRs and that the zoning commission rejected this proposal last week.
There is a need for a wide variety of housing options in town, both long term and short term, as well
as affordable. Wise planning is essential. Owner occupied homes, long term rentals, and short term
rentals can all coexist to create diverse neighborhoods and various opportunities for residents and
visitors alike.
Sincerely,
Wendy Morris