Arlington has become the latest Texas city to consider regulating short-term rentals (STRs). In response to complaints about “party houses,” the city has been discussing what to do about the problem. The Forth Worth Star-Telegram reports:
The city has already held town hall meetings where residents have complained that party houses pop up and cause problems with noise, alcohol and parking. Once the guests depart, they often leave behind bags of trash that sit at the curb for days before being picked up, neighbors say.
Because some STR tenants create problems, cities across the country want to regulate all STR owners.
Certainly, living near a “party house” is not pleasant and something should be done about problems with noise, alcohol, and parking. But that does not mean punishing the innocent. It means punishing those responsible for the problems.
Most STR owners run peaceful operations. They don’t want to subject neighbors to rowdy parties and other disruptions. Yet, regulations impose penalties on them. They are forced to adhere to whatever dictates the regulators impose, and that means enduring additional hassles and expenses. And it’s not because they have done anything wrong; they just happen to be in the same business as those who operate “party houses.”
Regulations treat all STR owners as guilty, imposing controls and restrictions on them regardless of their own individual actions. This is a gross injustice.
Instead of passing new regulations, cities should enforce their existing nuisance regulations. If a a group of STR tenants hold a rowdy party late at night or cause other disruptions, cite them for that. If a property owner operates a “party house,” address his transgressions. This punishes those who are truly guilty, and it leaves the innocent free to use their property as they choose.