Short-Term Rentals

As I meet with folks around the city, I’m often asked, “What’s your stance on short-term rentals?” It’s a hot-button topic. People worry that their community won’t feel neighborly anymore if it has a high concentration of STRs. They worry about noise and trash violations, plunging maintenance standards, loss of long-term housing inventory, and unaffordable housing prices. A friend of mine says that recently three homes on her small street converted to STRs; they sit dark all week, and on weekends, guest vehicles take up parking normally used by residents.

We aren’t the only tourist city struggling with STRs, but we are far behind in enacting effective legislation. Other jurisdictions have had success with these approaches:

·         Require new STRs to be owner-occupied only

·         Limit the number of days an STR can be rented

·         Limit the number of STR licenses allowed yearly

In Annapolis, we need the city to do a better job of enforcing the existing code. And we need to work on common-sense legislation that will help maintain our city’s neighborhoods and historic charm.  I’m working with the City Council to get legislation passed during the current term, because this issue can’t wait. But if this Council doesn’t take further action, a balanced approach to STRs will be a priority for my administration if I’m elected Mayor. Let’s preserve STRs' unique benefits while tackling residents’ valid concerns.

Sincerely, 

Jared Littmann

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