Verboten

Achtung! Below is a recent notice from a local condominium association to the member-owners.

To: All Homeowners

From: Board of Directors

Subject: Short Term Rentals

Date: September 29, 2015

In the last few months, the Board of Directors has received a number of complaints about owners listing their homes on short term rental websites (i.e. Airbnb). The Board takes these concerns seriously and has reviewed the matter with legal counsel. The Association's attorney has concluded that there are sufficient restrictions in the Governing Documents on these types of activities and that these types of rentals are NOT permitted at the property. The Board will review all submitted complaints and work to make sure all owners are compliant. Owners found to be in violation will be fined per the Association's rules. The Board takes this matter very seriously and will remain vigilant on this matter.

Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact me (408.559.1977 x 114) or attend a Board Meeting. Thank you in advance for your assistance regarding this matter.

A San Francisco apartment trashed by Airbnb guests.

Your humble observer must state at the outset that he has no dog in this fight.

Es ist verboten! is the instinctive reaction of the bureaucrat, and it seems like a fearful reaction to activities that weren't contemplated decades ago--before the Internet--when the rules were written. If there has been harm to other people and/or their property, then it's indeed reasonable to call a halt to these short-term rentals until rules can be worked out to safeguard hosts, "guests," and third parties.

Some owners, especially those who've paid sky-high condo prices, can use the short-term income to defray the cost of housing when they're going to be away for a few weeks. Board members, who are owners, too, should be able to see both sides of this issue.