Real estate
Galveston County, cities look to regulate short-term rentals
Mirroring national trends, the number of short- term rentals in the Bay Area continues to increase, prompting city and county officials to figure out how to regulate the growing industry, which, despite some issues with compliance, has avoided city and county attention, said Stephanie Polk, convention and visitors’ bureau manager with League City. A short-term rental refers to a residential property, including those registered with Airbnb or VRBO, that is rented for a fee for less than 30 days, according to the state of Texas’ website. One of the top priorities for officials has been figuring out how to bring short-term rentals into compliance, Polk said. In May, the Galveston Central Appraisal District, or GCAD, began taxing short-term rentals as businesses, which means that any furnishing or fixtures on the property will be included on tax bills, according to the Texas Tax Code. “[The policy] ensures the appraisal of those homes is fair and equitable,” Chief Appraiser Krystal McKinney said.
Short-term rentals
League City
Seabrook
45
Friendswood
Texas City
146
6
35
87
Santa Fe
GALVESTON BAY
Galveston
8,257 rentals in the Galveston area
N
MAP NOT TO SCALE
SOURCE: AIRDNA/COMMUNITY IMPACT
What they’re saying
“As more short-term rentals pop up, most counties with tourist-type attractions and venues will start following the same practice.” KRYSTAL MCKINNEY, CHIEF APPRAISER, GALVESTON CENTRAL APPRAISAL DISTRICT
“They’re selling the same; it’s just that those homes are getting added value because they’ve been rented out. So people can basically buy these homes and then turn around and start making money the next day.” TARYN ODON, REALTOR, COME HOME REALTY
“[The city ordinance] requires the booking platforms to collect and send the [hotel occupancy tax] on behalf of the properties that are in League City. That is going to be tremendous.” STEPHANIE POLK, MANAGER, LEAGUE CITY CONVENTION AND VISITORS’ BUREAU
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