The referendum caps a yearlong struggle that has consumed the city over home rentals promoted on popular websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway.
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Posted inLocal & State, Local Elections, News
Long battle over short-term rental rules coming to a head in South Portland
A second set of proposed regulations is on the Nov. 6 ballot, giving voters a say on a heated issue involving a collision of property rights arguments.
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Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Portland housing committee to ask for 6-month moratorium on some short-term rentals
Members decide to ask the City Council to temporarily stop registering new non-owner-occupied units until councilors can come up with tighter regulations on Airbnb-style accommodations.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Airbnb bookings in Maine leaped 45% this summer
The home-sharing service says about 5,000 hosts – 1,000 more than last season – took in $40 million, a growth rate that has communities reviewing their regulatory approaches to short-term rentals.
Posted inMaine Voices, Op-Eds, Opinion
Maine Voices: Short-term rentals the root cause of Portland’s housing dilemma
They are antithetical to the long-term interests of the city, and unfair to residential homeowners.
Posted inLocal & State, News
South Portland council repeals new rules for short-term rentals
Councilors plan to make significant changes at an upcoming workshop, encouraged by residents on both sides of the divisive issue.
Posted inLocal & State
Judge lifts harassment order issued during South Portland petition drive
Judge Geoffrey Rushlau decided Michael Frabotta failed to prove that Daniel Romano harassed him over the short-term rental issue that’s back before the City Council on Tuesday.
Posted inBusiness, News
Airbnb will use inspectors to certify that rentals are up to snuff
A new program will send them to properties in 13 cities to review quality, cleanliness and amenities.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Councilors will consider curbing short-term rentals in South Portland
Some residents say short-term rentals are driving up home prices, turning houses into hotels and changing the character of their neighborhoods.
Posted inBusiness, News
Airbnb is said to be exploring expansion in long-term home rentals
Craigslist currently dominates rental markets in many cities with its ‘sublets/temporary’ section, but Airbnb believes there may be an opportunity to offer a safer, identity-verified alternative.