[Baltimore Sun] The problem with short-term rentals — and the lack of easy fixes | STAFF COMMENTARY
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Amid the unique issues facing Ocean City’s mayor and city council, like beach replenishment or what to do about now-sidelined boardwalk trams after the death of a toddler in August who was struck and killed by one, officials in Maryland’s Atlantic Ocean resort are grappling with an issue familiar to many communities across the state: What should be done about short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO? Last week, during a forum for Ocean City’s candidates for mayor and council, the subject was broached with mixed reviews. Is it really in the town’s best interests to allow homes and apartments to be rented out for as little as a single night?
That question continues to be asked in many communities across Maryland and the country, particularly as they struggle with an overall housing shortage. If it’s more lucrative to rent a property for short stints to tourists rather than full-time residents who can’t pay as much, what incentive do owners have to support the latter? In New York City, frustration over the impact of Airbnb and similar options became so bad that the city outright banned most short-term rentals last fall. What’s happened since then? Unfortunately, there was not a noticeable decrease in rental prices, which is what supporters of the measure had sought.
That’s not to suggest that short-term rentals don’t need thoughtful regulation. For example, setting taxes that properly allow for their potential adverse impact on the broader community seems a reasonable approach. But it’s also wrong to scapegoat the industry for bigger problems. Maryland has been judged a difficult rental market for various reasons, including a failure to support growth while allowing long-term neglect, a common problem in Baltimore. It comes down to supply and demand: Build more housing, and rental prices will stabilize or perhaps even fall; companies will be able to hire, and the economy will benefit.
Baltimore’s recent push to deal with vacant homes, while commendable and state-supported, must be part of a larger effort to increase housing opportunities for all. Renters and buyers seek decent housing in safe neighborhoods with good schools. Yet these areas are often closed off from further development — the door shut by existing homeowners through local zoning laws. They fear the impact of “outsiders” moving in. Overcome that barrier, and the underperforming housing market may return to a more sensible balance that can more easily include short-term rentals.
Baltimore Sun editorial writers offer opinions and analysis on news and issues relevant to readers. They operate separately from the newsroom.
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