Short-Term Rentals: How Do They Impact Communities in Maine?

Today's show will repeat at 9 pm (instead of the usual 8 pm rebroadcast).

Several cities and communities in Maine are grappling with a significant increase in short-term rentals, such as AirBnB or VRBO. Opponents say these change the tenor of a neighborhood and drive out long-term rentals, while supporters say these are good business opportunities for rental owners and they bring in tourist dollars. Cities like South Portland will put the issue to voters on Election Day, in terms of what regulations to put in place to limit short-term rentals.

Dr. Tracy Michaud, assistant professor and chair of the tourism and hospitality program at the University of Southern Maine

Randy Billings, staff writer, Portland Press Herald

Joshua Reny (by phone), assistant city manager, South Portland

Keren Horn, Ph.D. (by phone), assistant professor of economics, University of Massachusetts Boston

John A. Root Jr. (by phone), code enforcement officer, City of Rockland

• Tensions High As South Portland Reconsiders Maine’s Most Restrictive Airbnb Rules
• Portland councilors to hold public hearing on ideas to tighten rules for short-term rentals
• Maine Voices: Short-term rentals the root cause of Portland’s housing dilemma
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