Download the WJCL App for breaking news alerts: Apple | Google PlayAs the surge of Airbnb, VRBO, and other short-term vacation rental websites continues to gain popularity, city leaders in Savannah are ready to crack down on non-permitted rentals. Since January 2020, the city has given more than 100 code violations to rentals, with 60 of those occurring between July 2022 and November 2023. Mayor Van Johnson believes that this is an issue of safety for residents.”I think that we have to make sure that we’re protecting neighborhoods. And I don’t think that for neighborhoods, STVRs protect neighborhoods. And so it’s our job to be the arbiter. It’s our job to be able to maintain,” Johnson said.The city aims to remodel and preserve its rich tourism aspect, but they are focused on the “livability” of the city.According to the city’s website, the current STVR ordinance states any violation starts with a fine of $500. That fine increases for repeat offenders to $750 and $1,000 within 12 months of the first offense. However, the mayor believes this isn’t enough.”I am considering asking council to increase the penalties for doing it because obviously if you get caught and you’re still doing it, the penalties are not severe enough,” Johnson said.He added, “We now have new software that will help us to be able to detect that,” called Rentalscape. This application will scan the internet for existing STVRs, which allows easier access for code enforcers to locate non-permitted rentals.If you are a resident affected by an STVR near you, follow this link to file a complaint.
Download the WJCL App for breaking news alerts: Apple | Google Play
As the surge of Airbnb, , and other short-term vacation rental websites continues to gain popularity, city leaders in Savannah are ready to crack down on non-permitted rentals.
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Since January 2020, the city has given more than 100 code violations to rentals, with 60 of those occurring between July 2022 and November 2023. Mayor Van Johnson believes that this is an issue of safety for residents.
“I think that we have to make sure that we’re protecting neighborhoods. And I don’t think that for neighborhoods, STVRs protect neighborhoods. And so it’s our job to be the arbiter. It’s our job to be able to maintain,” Johnson said.
The city aims to remodel and preserve its rich tourism aspect, but they are focused on the “livability” of the city.
According to the city’s website, the current STVR ordinance states any violation starts with a fine of $500. That fine increases for repeat offenders to $750 and $1,000 within 12 months of the first offense. However, the mayor believes this isn’t enough.
“I am considering asking council to increase the penalties for doing it because obviously if you get caught and you’re still doing it, the penalties are not severe enough,” Johnson said.
He added, “We now have new software that will help us to be able to detect that,” called Rentalscape. This application will scan the internet for existing STVRs, which allows easier access for code enforcers to locate non-permitted rentals.
If you are a resident affected by an STVR near you, follow this link to file a complaint.