Vacation rentals have been a popular choice for travelers looking for a home away from home. However, their impact on the local community is often overlooked. In residential neighborhoods, vacation rentals can cause harm to the community in several ways. Here are 10 points to consider:

1. Loss of students in schools: Vacation rentals can cause a loss of students in schools, as families move away to make room for vacation rentals. This can lead to reduced school budgets and fewer resources for students. In Ogden, there are 500 single-family homes that have been converted into nightly rentals in residential areas. Experts say that there are two children per home, so that would mean 1,000 kids not in Ogden City schools. The approximate cost for each lost student is between $8,000 to $13,500, meaning Ogden City schools lose at least $10 million in revenue.

2. Increased crime: Vacation rentals can attract more tourists, which can lead to an increase in crime in residential areas. Tourists may not be familiar with the neighborhood and could be seen as easy targets for criminals.

3. Reduced sense of community: Vacation rentals can disrupt the sense of community in a neighborhood. When there are fewer long-term residents, it can be harder to build relationships and create a strong community.

4. Noise pollution: Vacation rentals can lead to noise pollution in residential areas. Loud parties, late-night music and other disruptive activities can disturb the peace and quiet of the neighborhood.

5. Traffic congestion: Vacation rentals can lead to increased traffic congestion in residential areas. More tourists mean more cars on the road, which can make it harder for residents to get around.

6. Reduced availability of long-term rentals: Vacation rentals can take long-term rentals off the market, making it harder for people to find affordable housing. This can lead to an increase in housing costs for residents.

7. Reduction in owner-occupied homes: Vacation rentals can reduce the number of owner-occupied homes in a neighborhood. When investors purchase properties for the sole purpose of renting them out as vacation rentals, it can lead to fewer families living in the area.

8. Strain on local resources: Vacation rentals can put a strain on local resources, such as water, electricity and sewage. When more people are using these resources, it can lead to shortages and increased costs for residents.

9. Tax evasion: Vacation rentals can be used to evade taxes, as some owners may not report their rental income. This can lead to a loss of revenue for the local government, which can impact the community as a whole.

10. Reduced quality of life: Vacation rentals can lead to a reduced quality of life for residents in a neighborhood. When there are more tourists and fewer long-term residents, it can be harder to maintain a clean and safe environment.

In conclusion, vacation rentals can cause harm to residential neighborhoods in several ways. From a reduction in long-term rentals to increased crime and traffic congestion, the impact on the community can be significant. It’s important for local governments to consider the impact of vacation rentals on the community and take steps to regulate them appropriately. By doing so, they can help to maintain a high quality of life for residents and preserve the character of the neighborhood. In addition, it impacts the hotels and restaurants since people cook at the rental instead of dining out. It also reduces the likelihood of attracting more major flag hotels since they will not want or be able to compete with an endless number of single-family homes being turned into vacation rentals.

David Willis moved to Ogden in 2008 and has established a successful career as a real estate agent serving Ogden and the rest of Northern Utah in residential and commercial real estate.

Newsletter