The Metro Council is expected to vote on a bill that could impact the future of short term rental homes in residential neighborhoods that are not occupied by an owner.
Bill 608 would specifically address short term rental properties that are not owner occupied. It would allow current permit holders to renew their permits through 2019, but would set a phase out date for permits in 2021.
The bill does not affect short-term rental homes that are occupied by the owner.
“The phase out option makes it fair to people who have invested in these properties,” said Larry Hagar, a Metro Council Member who is sponsoring the bill. “These types of short term rentals were designed to supplement income. What has happened is it has turned into a business.”
Members of Nashville Neighborhood Alliance, an organization of neighborhood activists, agree. They said commercial businesses are operating out of residential neighborhoods, and the neighborhoods need to be protected. In many cases, the rental properties turn into party houses that disrupt the neighborhoods.
“These can have a tremendous impact,” said John Summers with the Nashville Neighborhood Alliance. “If you are living next door and people are coming and going at all hours of the night, and strangers are next door every weekend, it affects your quality of life.”
Representatives from Airbnb and the Nashville Area Short-Term Rental Association have fought the proposal. They argued that the majority of these properties are operated correctly, and many people rely on the properties for income. They said the best option would be one that balances private property rights and neighborhood quality of life.
Two other bills on the agenda would set moratoriums for new permits for short term rental properties. All will be voted on after a public hearing where members of the community can weigh in on the issue. The Metro Council Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday.
