A temporary, emergency moratorium is now in place for short-term rentals in single-family zoned districts in Athens. The Moratorium will go through Nov. 7 to give the city staff time to create an ordinance to regulate and place restrictions on the operations of Airbnb.
The move comes after complaints from residents about ongoing issues with parties, late-night noise, traffic congestion, and all-night flood lights in quiet neighborhoods. Two of the residents who brought forth complaints said houses in their neighborhoods were purchased by out-of-state investment groups, including Texas and Oregon, which are outbidding local buyers, and then offering the homes for short-term rentals.
The restrictions should not affect homeowners who live on-site and rent out rooms for extra income.
