HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-09-22 Public Comment - C. Courtenaye - Comment on STRsFrom:C. Courtenaye
To:Agenda
Subject:Comment on STRs
Date:Tuesday, August 9, 2022 9:39:06 AM
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I am a homeowner, and I’ve had a registered STR Type 2 in the past. (I will not be renewing
my license this year.) The income from renting out my home about 3 months out of the yearhas really helped me keep my home in tip-top shape over the past 8 years.
I am strongly in favor of increasing compliance with City registration: require listing
platforms to report a listing to the City. Require the listing to show City license # on websites.The City should raise fees as necessary to administer.
The home next door to me is also an STR Type 2. In my experience with both my own home
and the property next door, one issue with STRs in Bozeman these days is the lack of reliableproperty management. There is much turnover in support staff, i.e., people with experience in
maintaining a property, including house cleaners, repair people and lawn care workers. Therecan be a lack of oversight among properties with out-of-town owners. The property next to me
is a weed-ridden overgrown eyesore year after year. No one seems to be in charge, no matterhow loudly the current guests complain about yard maintenance. This was true with the
previous property management company (advertising themselves as the “premier” propertymanagement company), and still true with yet a different property management company this
year.
When the same wonderful summer guests arrive year after year next door to me, they find thatthe home has not been cleaned adequately. Grime, filth. Should the Montana Dept. of Healthand Human Services be contacted in these situations?
I don’t know what the answer is. Perhaps guests and neighbors could have a venue at the Cityand/or County where they could lodge complaints?
I think STRs have an important place in our community, both for homeowners and visitors.But I’m in favor of stronger regulation.
Thank you,Catherine Courtenaye
311 S. 8th Ave.
Bozeman