Concerns Over Short-Term Rentals In Small Idaho And Utah Towns

Small towns in Utah and Idaho are negatively feeling the effects of short-term rentals like Airbnb and VRBO.

A recent study from Utah State University highlighted the challenges community members face as the rise of short-term rentals impacts a favorite Utah and Idaho summer spot: Bear Lake. The area borders the most northern part of Utah and the southern part of Idaho. Communities like Garden City, Lake Town, and Idaho’s Paris, Montpelier, Fish Haven, Bennington, and St. Charles were all included in the survey.

Though I am a big fan of Airbnb's in the right circumstances, I can see how smaller communities like those mentioned above could feel strain from them. These aren’t large cities like Salt Lake City or even St. George. That makes the needs of the community and visitors different.

The Problem with Airbnbs in Utah and Idaho’s Small Towns

The study showed that most residents from these Utah and Idaho small towns surrounding Bear Lake are concerned about short-term rentals. Airbnb has over 1,000 places in Bear Lake with less than 10,000 residents in the area.

Utah and Idaho have different regulations (or nonexistent regulations) for short-term rentals. Utah can charge a transient room tax that goes back to the community at a county level. Idaho can’t do this. Simply put, taxes from these short-term rentals go back to Garden City for marketing and tourist-related facilities while Idaho communities aren’t seeing that, the study said.

Another issue cited is that with so many short-term rentals in the area there is a sense of community and knowing your neighbors that has been lost. With so many people constantly changing out, permanent residents are struggling to get that community feel that made the place so appealing.

Lastly, with so many short-term rentals, those looking for work and a place to live may find it difficult. The housing cost is impacted by all the short-term rentals and eliminates places that could be long-term rentals.

Affordability is a large concern since more people are coming to stay but only for a short while. Idaho has almost no regulations on short-term rentals.

Basically, Bear Lake’s communities are changing on both sides and feeling the strain. However, Idaho is seeing less benefits from these short-term rentals than Utah residents.