As a short-term rental host in Portland, you are likely familiar with the city’s stringent regulations. In general, hosts must live on-site or have a long-term tenant, and can rent out no more than two bedrooms. These rules are in place to ensure that short-term rentals coexist harmoniously with our community’s housing needs.

However, recent developments in Barcelona should serve as a wake-up call for us all. In June 2024, Barcelona’s city council ordered a complete phase-out of short-term rentals. No new licenses will be issued, and all existing licenses will be revoked by 2028. This decision aims to address housing shortages by freeing up properties for long-term residents.

While the intention behind this decision is understandable, the impact on small operators—who make up 58% of hosts in Barcelona, typically renting out 1-3 properties part-time—cannot be ignored. Many hosts rely on the income generated from short-term rentals to support their households. The phase-out of rentals will have a profound effect on their financial stability.

The situation in Barcelona highlights the critical importance of advocacy and community support. Without proactive intervention, Portland could face similar challenges, potentially leading to an all-out ban on short-term rentals. As hosts, it is crucial for us to stay engaged and advocate for balanced regulations that protect our rights while addressing community concerns.

Host2Host plays a vital role in this effort. By volunteering with Host2Host, you can help strengthen relationships we have with the City of Portland, the Bureau of Development Services, and the City Council. Your involvement is key to ensuring that our voices are heard and that our needs are considered in future regulatory decisions.

Here’s how you can get involved:

• Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest news and developments in the short-term rental market. 
• Engage with Local Officials: Participate in opportunities to share your thoughts and experiences as a host directly with city officials.
• Join Host2Host: If you’re not already, become a member of Host2Host to stay connected with fellow hosts and access valuable resources.
• Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our initiatives and strengthen our community’s presence for as little as one hour per month. Opportunities include involvement on the Advocacy, Community, or Education committees or boost your resume with a Board of Directors position. Apply today!