Pullman cracks down on Airbnb, Vrbo rentals after complaint

Following a July complaint, Pullman city officials began enforcing new regulations on short-term rentals, which were established in June. The city mailed letters to 57 Airbnb and Vrbo owners notifying them of their non-compliance with the updated licensing requirements. These rules necessitate obtaining a $200 annual license and adhering to safety measures like occupancy limits and property inspections. RJ Lott, the city’s director of community development, stated that enforcement will be driven by complaints, aiming to ensure compliance without resorting to citations. Mayor Francis Benjamin highlighted the economic advantages of short-term rentals and pointed out that the regulations simplify the application process.

The city council will review the short-term rental situation further in a meeting scheduled for 5:30 p. m. tonight at Pullman City Hall. Violators could face fines of $250 per day, accumulating to a maximum of $5,000 if they fail to apply for a license by the December 31 deadline. The city aims to balance regulation with the benefits that short-term rentals bring to the community.