Change is Coming to Oahu Short-Term Vacation Rental Regulations

Hawaii has certainly had its fair share of controversy over the years, but nothing has been more debated than short-term rentals. With home prices on the rise, the number of hosted and unhosted short term rentals have been steadily increasing over the years. This is certainly evidenced in high tourist areas, such as the North Shore, that have a limited number of hotel options. The few and far between NS hotels like Turtle Bay can be extremely pricey and far off the grid for most. Lack of hotel options, coupled with the high price of living, has sparked massive short-term vacation rentals of not only a single room but entire homes. Most of these short-term rentals have been illegal, operating without the proper permits or taxes paid by the homeowners. Of course, some operators have been very diligent and following the rules and regulations, but not all.

Debate Over Oahu Short-Term Rentals Heat Up

There are heated debates on both sides of this coin. Many Hawaii homeowners have to find a way to offset the high costs and have no choice to help make ends meet but offer some form of rental. Then you have other investors who have knowingly purchased homes in areas where short-term rentals are prohibited and have rented the home continuously as a money maker. As a result, short-term vacation rentals increase the number of people on the already overcrowded roads and beaches and adds to the rubbish and potential noise levels. Anyone can see that most renters are not going to respect the neighborhood and community as a responsible homeowner would.

Many illegal rentals have also been happening in neighborhoods and buildings that restrict short-term rentals. For example, if a community or building has in its covenants and restrictions that it doesn’t allow short-term rentals, then that rule trumps the state rules. Regardless, the community has undoubtedly gotten a tad out of hand with short-term rentals in almost every community and area on Oahu. I can’t think of a single homeowner who is not aware of a house, building, or area that has tons of rentals happening.

Mayor Has Signed Short-Term Rental Bill

Mayor Kirk Caldwell has now signed the bill that officially makes this activity illegal. The old system for enforcement was usually sparked by a neighbor calling and complaining. This, in turn, sent out an official to investigate, but they generally had very little success. They would knock on the door, and if they caught someone off guard, they could get in trouble. However, now they will simply troll the websites and look for short-term rentals without an attached permit form the City and County. The fines are reported to start at $1000 per day, go up to $5000 for second offenders, and then $10,000 for the third offense. That is certainly enough of a fine to make anyone think twice.

The bills and enforcement are also hitting foreign investors or possibly buyers who did not have the best representation when they bought a Hawaii home. The more reputable brokerages, such as Hawaii Life Real Estate, has always been very careful and cautious not to promote illegal activities, rentals, or possible gray areas to a potential buyer. Not all brokerages operate with the same integrity, so some buyers are left in the dark and in harm’s way with the passing of the new Bill.

Bill Enforcement Begins August 1st

How will this shake out? We just don’t know, and it is too early to forecast. The Bill is signed, and enforcement will start as soon as August 1st, so it’s happening. My gut instinct is that many buyers who were not educated will be left holding the bag and have no choice but to sell. It is a simple economic consequence, whether the homeowner can afford the cost without short term rental income.

One thing is for sure on either side of this debate, and that is change is coming to Oahu. It has been talked about for years and is now a reality. This might impact the more recent homebuyers first but certainly will have trickle-down effects to all.

If you have more questions about the bill or how it impacts your homeownership, please do not hesitate to get in touch with me.