The case for sustainable short-term lettings regulations in Birmingham: editorial

This is a guest review column

As a proud Birmingham resident and dedicated short-term rental host for several years, I have witnessed first-hand the many benefits that short-term rentals bring to our community. Not only has the homestead provided financial stability for my family, but it has also allowed me to showcase Birmingham’s rich history and vibrant culture to visitors from around the world.

My family began our hosting journey by sharing homes in the South Titusville and West End neighborhoods of Birmingham—both of which have deep ties to the civil rights movement of the 1960s. For example, one of our homes is located near the 6th Avenue Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke numerous times. As a host, I am proud to share my love and passion for these neighborhoods while also allowing guests to honor the courage and resilience of those who fought for equality. By providing meaningful and educational experiences for guests, short-term rental hosts can help our city continue to adapt and show that Birmingham is learning from its past while looking to a brighter future.

My son is also a short-term rental host who began sharing his apartment with guests to support his work with a Grammy-nominated music artist. The income from these rentals has changed his life, allowing him to pursue his dreams in the music industry and allowing me to develop valuable property management and business skills. Both my own rental experience and that of my son are testament to the broader economic and personal development opportunities that short-term rentals offer Birmingham residents.

What’s more, the economic impact of short-term rentals extends beyond the hosts. Our guests spend money at local shops and neighborhood restaurants, helping our small businesses thrive. They open up job opportunities for other minority entrepreneurs who work with hosts like me to maintain short-term rental properties, offering cleaning and lawn care services. We also host many families who rely on short-term rentals as part of the process of moving to Birmingham permanently. This symbiotic relationship benefits hosts, guests, and the local economy, and we must continue to provide lodging options that make guests and our future workforce feel welcome in our city.

Concerns about parties and disorderly behavior are often exaggerated. As hosts, we make sure our guests are respectful of our properties and neighborhoods. For example, I don’t allow guests to make same-day reservations after 4 p.m. and I only allow guests whose photo ID, email address, and phone number have already been verified on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb that conduct background checks. Most of our guests are responsible individuals who appreciate the unique experience we provide.

I believe Birmingham has the opportunity to set a precedent for other cities by adopting fair and reasonable short-term rental regulations. These regulations should support local hosts and prevent bad actors from operating in the city. Instead of focusing solely on enforcement, which is currently understaffed, the city should work with hosts and short-term rental platforms to educate hosts on how to prevent disruption and ensure a positive experience for all.

I urge Birmingham City Council to preserve the positive impact of short-term lettings and adopt regulations that are fair and reasonable. This will ensure we support local landlords, improve our neighbourhoods and continue to welcome the guests who contribute to Birmingham’s vibrant community.

Let’s use this opportunity to set a model for other cities, ensuring that short-term rentals deliver benefits for all involved – landlords, local residents and government. Together we can build a thriving and inclusive Birmingham that honours its past while looking to the future.

Judson Young of It’s A Trip, with two short-term rental properties – one in South Titusville and the other in West End. I am also a member of the Birmingham Area Short-Term Rental Group, actively involved in the local rental community.