Arlington Moves to Regulate Short-Term Rentals Prior to Inauguration

Steve Burns

WMAL.com

ARLINGTON, Va. – (WMAL) In a sped-up process to get the work done before throngs of visitors descend on the D.C. area for January’s inauguration, the Arlington County Board moved to set up new regulations around short-term rentals, centering around what Board members called the “sharing economy” established by companies like AirBnB.

“We have lots of Arlingtonians already doing this, and it’s illegal,” Board Chair Libby Garvey said. “We’re catching up, and I think we need to move quickly. It’s good we are.”

In trying to step away from the under-the-table way of doing business thus far, the new regulations would require prospective renters to register with the county. It would also require inspections if complaints mount, and requires someone to be on-call if need be.

“These are all fairly minimal, and should not provide a very high barrier to entry,” Board member Christian Dorsey said.

The lone dissenting vote came from Board member John Vihstadt, who was concerned the board was moving too fast and leaving some important issues unresolved.

“I believe that it also fails, to some degree, to recognize the realities of the sharing economy,” Vihstadt said. “It calls for a much more flexible, lighter hand of government.”

The county resolved to discuss fees for obtaining the renting license at a future meeting. It will be free for the initial six-month period.

The legislation comes as other jurisdictions around the country grapple with how to regulate this new frontier in housing, including denoting responsibility for damage, noise complaints, and safety concerns. Others hope Arlington’s legislation could represent a foundation for others to build upon.

“I do think this will serve, and will serve some really good, well-grounded information to the legislature, and those making decisions in Richmond,” Board Vice-Chair Jay Fisette said. “Hopefully we’re not that far apart.”