Airbnb Rentals Along the Coast

Source: Adrian J. Adams Esq. 

Airbnb is an online service that connects short-term renters (STRs) with people who 

have rooms or homes to rent on a daily or weekly basis.

Hotels & Cities. The site has grown spectacularly since its founding in 2008 so much so that 50,000 renters per night are using Airbnb. This is costing hotels $450 million per year, depriving cities of $226 million in tax revenues per year, and removing tens of thousands of homes from the long-term rental market.

Impact on Associations. HOA owners and investors have jumped into the lucrative market and are using Airbnb to create a steady stream of weekend rentals in violation of their CC&Rs. Such rentals significantly burden associations, some of which resulted in litigation. The court of appeals  recognized the burden created by STRs:

That short-term renters cost the Association more than long-term renters or permanent residents is not only supported by the evidence but experience and common sense places the matter beyond debate. Short-term renters use the common facilities more intensely; they take more staff time in giving directions and information and enforcing the rules; and they are less careful in using the common facilities because they are not concerned with the long-term consequences of abuse. (Watts v. Oak Shores.)

Other problems include security breaches, vandalism, litter and higher maintenance costs.

Typical CC&R Restrictions. STR restrictions are understandable since associations are intended to be stable communities with homeowners occupying units. To that end, almost all CC&Rs prohibit STRs. They often contain language prohibiting hotel-like use of residences as well as requirements that rentals be for at least 30 days, six months or one year.

Coastal Commission. The enforcement of STR restrictions has taken a twist for associations along the coast. The hyperactive California Coastal Commission has taken steps to prevent associations from enforcing their CC&Rs by threatening large, punitive fines.

The Coastal Commission argues that its heavy-handed approach increases the public’s access to the water. My firm obtained documents from the Coastal Commission where they cite tenuous authorizing language under the California Coastal Act for their actions. We reviewed the law and flatly disagree with their interpretation.

RECOMMENDATION. If your association gets a “cease and desist” letter from the Commission, you should immediately contact legal counsel. If you have questions about restricting short-term rentals, contact me.