City staff are asking for public input on possible new regulations on short-term rentals in Alexandria. Staff recommendations will go before City Council later this year.
Between now and Sept. 15, residents are invited to watch the video below, review this slide deck and respond to this survey on the proposals.
The proposed rules could include additional fees assessed by the city to operate a short-term rental, requirements to respond to complaints in a timely manner, inspection allowances and more.
"Today there are over 700 short-term rentals in the City of Alexandria. This comprises a little less than 1% of our housing stock. As defined by law, a short-term rental is a dwelling space that is rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days at a time. They have been popularized by AirBNB, VRBO, etc.," according to Mayor Justin Wilson.
There are laws requiring that Alexandria property owners register their short-term rentals with the city and remit lodging taxes based on occupancy. It seems that about one-third of short-term rentals in Alexandria are not registered with the city.
While most of the short-term rentals are listed on Airbnb, there are many listed through Expedia's VRBO, TripAdvisor and other short-term rental listing companies. Most listings are for single-family homes where the renter can enjoy the entire property.
"Today, short-term rentals constitute over a quarter of the transient lodging (hotel) tax revenue that the City receives. Last fiscal year, this portion totaled $3.3 million from short-term rentals," Wilson explained.
"Yet, we do hear complaints from residents regarding the quality of life impacts of these short-term rentals. Since 2018, the City has received 33 calls to 311, citing concerns such as trash, noise, parties and parking. We have received 65 calls to Police during this same period, citing concerns regarding potential criminal activity. There are also studies that cite the impact of short-term rentals on housing affordability," according to Wilson.
