For nearly three years, I’ve rented a room in my house to travelers to earn supplemental income using short-term rentals. The experience has been nothing short of exemplary. In fact, my neighbors are supportive of my rental as it increases security in the neighborhood. We maintain open lines of communications if a problem arises.
The supplemental income we have earned from hosting has helped us pay for better schooling, extracurricular activities and tutoring for our son.
As the city council prepares to pass new regulations on short-term rentals, I hope they take into consideration the benefit home sharing brings to local businesses. Guests who travel to Malibu are always looking for recommendations for places to eat, shop and explore—and I enjoy sending them my recommendations. With the high rents and regulatory expenses our businesses incur, these new customers help make it a little easier for businesses to get by.
The landscape of Malibu is changing, and we are seeing hotel rates of $350 per night that only the wealthy can afford. Our beautiful ocean-view room costs roughly a third of that, and gives middle-class folks the chance to experience our community at a fraction of the cost.
I hope that our elected officials take these factors into account as they develop new rules for short-term rentals. It is important that these regulations allow people to continue to improve the quality of life and provide affordable beach travel experiences to guests who visit Malibu.
Paul Boulet