Let’s talk about accountability in the Short-Term Rental Market.
I appreciate The Oregonian for bringing attention to this important issue. Like with parking enforcement (a program I helped get back on its feet), when the City doesn’t enforce its own rules, it leads to frustration for those who do follow them and significant lost revenue—revenue we need to provide vital services for Portlanders.
There are potentially a thousand (or more) unpermitted or under-permitted Airbnb rentals operating in Portland, many of which are not paying their fair share of taxes. This not only presents safety risks for guests but also deprives the City of funds that could support everything from emergency services to keeping employees in their jobs. I saw this firsthand when I helped navigate PBOT through a $32 million budget shortfall, where increased parking enforcement on meters and vehicle registration brought much-needed relief.
In their article, they mention operators overseeing hundreds of legal and illegal units across the city. When I see those numbers I dont just see missed revenue for the city, but if our common sense regulations are too much for these managers, I see the potential for hundreds of units of market-rate housing to reenter the market and be rented to hard-working Portlanders who have been priced out of so many parts of our city.
I’ve been told that enforcement efforts have begun, but we need a truly proactive approach. Holding Airbnb accountable for being a data partner (at the very least) is absolutely part of my vision for progress in this space. As mayor, I will continue to push for stronger and more consistent enforcement across the board. Portland deserves rules that protect residents and enforcement that ensures accountability.