Short-term rentals

The city council also rejected two other measures that would have increased the minimum wage and eliminated the tipped credit for certain workers.

The measure would have required all short-term rental owners to register and secure a three-year permit for their properties with the town.

Residents will vote next month on an ordinance that would require all short-term rental units to be registered with the town. Properties would have to be permitted and subject to inspections and fees.

The new regulations have been the subject of debate for years and will limit the number of short-term rentals in Bangor to 1% of the city's housing stock.

About 57% of Maine's seasonal homes could be available to rent or own for at least three months of the year. And only about one-third of that seasonal rental stock is comprised of affordable homes that an average Mainer could rent or buy.

Vacation rental companies are reporting a slowdown in May and June compared to the last two years. Some operators say the number of bookings is now closer to pre-pandemic levels.

The program was designed to distribute federal relief money to people who needed help paying their rent or utility bills during the pandemic, but it has been paused for new applicants last month amid rising demand for help and dwindling funds.

It's unclear exactly how many short-term rentals are in Maine, but some panel members say they believe a growing number of them are taking housing options off the market for full-time residents.

Under the new rule, short-term rental units that are not occupied by the owner will be capped at 9% of the total units in town, with minimum length of stay of four nights. Owner-occupied rentals will be allowed with fewer restrictions.

Short-term rental operators in Portland are voicing opposition to a ballot question that will appear before voters in the city on Nov. 3.Question E seeks…