CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Dozens of homeowners who face violations under the City of Chattanooga’s new crackdown on short term vacation rentals (STVR) got a chance to sound off to city officials on Wednesday.
The city adopted those new rules back in May.
Since then, Airbnb owners have complained, and a lawsuit has been filed.
And, the city admitted some of the fines it’s already issued were not accurate.
On Wednesday, city officials heard from homeowners who do face fines, who say they’re confused and angry.
STVR owner Sana Dabit says…
“I’m not trying to do anything wrong, I’m not trying to do anything illegal. I just want to have to have the same right and freedom to do what everyone else is doing in a certain area of town. But I can’t make an extra few thousand dollars to supplement my income because it’s my own personal property.”
The city requires STVR owners to submit applications for approval before anyone is allowed to stay on their property. But those rules are relatively new.
Chris Anderson. Mayor Tim Kelly’s Senior Advisor, says…
“I’m sure any business owner in Chattanooga would know, I have to get permits for my business.”
Many of these owners who appeared in the hearing for violations say they did not know about the city’s requirements.
“I just assumed that if I could get on Airbnb, I was good to go.”
Shane Foster owns a property on Main Street that he rents out.
“What sense does it make to cancel everybody if you could get approved tomorrow. And now you’re, you know, in bad standings with Airbnb, bad standings with everybody that’s booked with you,” says Foster. “Once you do too many things like that, if you have too many bad reviews, or too many cancellations, you’re at risk of being dropped.”
Foster says there was a lack of communication from the city. The notice of violation was taped to the front door of his property, giving him 5 days to respond.
“It was on the door for almost a month, and I found it taped on the door on East Main Street,” Foster says.
But because this is not his main residence, he says he did not see the notice in time.
“Every one who has been cited has been sent in multiple legal notices. And every media station in town, including yours has covered this extensively for over a year. It’s hard to believe that someone who lives here is unaware that there’s a permit process,” says Anderson.
In the hearing, STVR owners pleaded with the city to let them keep advertising properties like on rental sites, only if they block out rental dates until their application is approved.
The city’s response: no.
The STVR owners will now terminate their rental advertisements until approved by the city, or face more fines.
“Sites like Airbnb and VRBO are in business to make money, they are not in business to help governments enforce regulations.” says Anderson.
We have reached out to Airbnb for a comment on their approval and support process. We will let you know when we hear back.