EL PASO, Texas – (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso is advancing towards establishing an ordinance to regulate and define short-term rentals, such as Airbnb and VRBO properties.
The proposed ordinance, which is set for a vote today, aims to give short-term rentals their own definition in the city code, distinguishing them from bed-and-breakfast lodging.
This move could pave the way for future regulations.
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Heidy Seoenz, president of the El Paso Short Term Rental Alliance, emphasized the importance of recognizing short-term rentals in the city.
“Short term rentals have been active for quite some time now, and really, what’s affecting is just a peace of mind for the city to have it retain in the book, and saying that short term rentals exist in El Paso,” she said.
Currently, short-term rentals are not specifically defined under city code, leading to concerns from residents about noise, trash, and parties.
However, Seoenz noted that most complaints were not linked to legitimate rentals.
“The short term rental community does not have issues with safety. And it wouldn’t be fair to punish, in a way, the good neighbors and the good host for those couple of bad actors,” she said.
The public hearing and vote are scheduled to begin at 9 a.m. at City Hall.
RELATED: El Paso considers new ordinance for short-term rentals
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