Arizona lawmakers are considering a pair of proposals dealing with short-term housing rentals, like Airbnb and VRBO. Some communities around Arizona have complained a 2016 law, which takes away a city or town’s ability to regulate short-term rentals, has led to shortages of rental housing, higher prices and problems in neighborhoods.
One of the measures, sponsored by Sen. Kate Brophy McGee (R-Phoenix), would let cities and towns regulate a short-term rental if the property is not the owner’s primary or secondary residence. Among other provisions, the bill would also cap the number of people who could be in the rental.
The second provision, sponsored by Rep. John Kavanagh (R-Fountain Hills) would allow cities and towns to install noise and safety metering equipment and require the homeowner’s contact information be posted on the property, among other things. Both measures are awaiting debate in their respective chambers; Kavanagh’s is scheduled to be debated this afternoon.
The Show began by talking with Sandra Scanlan. She lives in Paradise Valley and does not consider herself politically active. In fact, she told The Show she didn’t really want to be taking on this issue but feels like she has to, since the legislature took away cities’ and towns’ ability to regulate these short-term rentals.
Scanlan is in favor of more regulation of the short-term rental industry. But a number of Arizonans who rent out their homes on these platforms disagree.
Sarah Carlblom lives in central Phoenix and rents out her guesthouse on Airbnb. It’s about a 500-square-foot studio across a patio from her main house, and she says her guests tend to be working professionals — either on vacation or transferring to a job in the Valley.
Carlblom opposes new laws regulating the short-term rental industry in Arizona.
