Safety regulations for short-term rentals took center stage at the recent Nacogdoches City Council Work Session, with officials emphasizing the need for stringent inspections to ensure guest safety. The discussion highlighted the importance of treating Airbnb properties like traditional hotels, with proper safety measures in place.

Ashley Morgan, Director of the Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB), stressed that while these rentals are private homes, they operate as businesses. "If these people are renting out their home... it should be treated like a hotel or a bed and breakfast," she stated. Morgan underscored the responsibility of the CVB to promote Nacogdoches as a safe destination, pointing out that unregulated properties could pose hazards to visitors.

Key safety measures discussed included ensuring operable doors, safety rails on decks, and proper maintenance of electrical systems to prevent dangers like exposed wires. Morgan noted that a thorough life safety inspection could be completed in about 30 minutes, emphasizing the need for accountability among Airbnb hosts.

The council's focus on regulation aims to discourage poorly managed rentals, which can lead to disruptive events like bachelor and bachelorette parties. "We want to see the people that choose to use their homes for lodging to maintain their lawns, maintain their presence, and provide a safe place for our visitors to stay," Morgan concluded.

As Nacogdoches moves forward with these discussions, the city aims to balance the interests of homeowners with the safety and satisfaction of visitors, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.