Houston Mayor proposes crackdown on short-term rentals amidst safety concerns
Houston mayor wants short-term rental crack down
Houston Mayor John Whitmire says he wants to crack down on all short-term rentals in the city. This comes after FOX 26 was the first to report on neighbors in upscale condos complaining about sex parties and violence in several rental properties near their home. FOX 26's Sherman Desselle spoke with the mayor on what he would like to see happen.
HOUSTON - Houston Mayor John Whitmire has announced his intention to implement stricter regulations on short-term rentals within the city, citing recent reports of disturbances and safety issues.
The move comes after complaints from residents, particularly those in upscale areas like the Galleria and Museum Districts, about incidents such as sex parties and violence occurring in rental properties nearby.
Whitmire emphasized the need to address these issues, stating, "In the past, it's been overlooked. It's going to be a priority in my administration."
Concerns were raised during a City Council meeting on March 19, where residents shared harrowing experiences, including instances of gunfire that damaged homes and endangered lives.
The short-term rental industry has flourished in Houston, attracting property owners seeking to capitalize on the city's popularity as a destination. However, Whitmire believes that certain property owners, particularly those with multiple units in a single building, need to adhere to stricter regulations akin to those imposed on hotels. He emphasized the importance of enhancing safety measures and indicated that properties with repeated problems could face penalties.
"We want to enforce quality of life issues for Houstonians," Whitmire asserted, addressing potential legal challenges. "If bad actors want to sue us, we'll see you in court."
The city attorney is currently developing a plan to address these concerns, with initial steps focused on ensuring that multiple properties in a single building operate more like traditional hotels. Whitmire also intends to involve law enforcement agencies in enforcing these regulations.