Local governments can regulate Airbnb rentals
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| This Annandale house is listed on Airbnb for $75 a night. |
The Virginia General Assembly passed legislation that would allow local governments to
regulate short-term home rentals, such as those arranged through Airbnb and
similar companies.
regulate short-term home rentals, such as those arranged through Airbnb and
similar companies.
The
legislation, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, also sets up a statewide mechanism for collecting taxes on short-term
rentals.
legislation, which is expected to be signed by Gov. Terry McAuliffe, also sets up a statewide mechanism for collecting taxes on short-term
rentals.
A
forum on short-term rentals hosted by the Mason District Council of Community
Associations in October drew a huge crowd. Many local residents called for
tighter regulations, citing such potential problems as loud parties, strangers
in the neighborhood, and reduced property values.
forum on short-term rentals hosted by the Mason District Council of Community
Associations in October drew a huge crowd. Many local residents called for
tighter regulations, citing such potential problems as loud parties, strangers
in the neighborhood, and reduced property values.
Under
the law, which takes effect July 1, localities
would be authorized to create a registration process for these rentals and
could impose fines up to $500 if homeowners don’t register.
the law, which takes effect July 1, localities
would be authorized to create a registration process for these rentals and
could impose fines up to $500 if homeowners don’t register.
“This
legislation will give localities more control over this important and growing
industry,” said Sen. Dave Marsden. Lawmakers forged “an important balance that will
allow Airbnb to continue to operate in the state but will ensure they are on a
level playing field with bed and breakfasts and hotels.”
legislation will give localities more control over this important and growing
industry,” said Sen. Dave Marsden. Lawmakers forged “an important balance that will
allow Airbnb to continue to operate in the state but will ensure they are on a
level playing field with bed and breakfasts and hotels.”
Del.
Kaye Kory called the measure “a good first step.” It’s
not a mandate, so localities don’t have to do anything, she notes; this just gives them
the authority to do so. Airbnb hosts who don’t register or pay taxes could be charged with having an illegal home-based business.
Kaye Kory called the measure “a good first step.” It’s
not a mandate, so localities don’t have to do anything, she notes; this just gives them
the authority to do so. Airbnb hosts who don’t register or pay taxes could be charged with having an illegal home-based business.
Fairfax
County hasn’t yet drafted an ordinance on short-term rentals. If such an ordinance is approved, it would be up to the Department of Code Compliance to enforce it.
County hasn’t yet drafted an ordinance on short-term rentals. If such an ordinance is approved, it would be up to the Department of Code Compliance to enforce it.