
Short-Term Rental Survey Results
Read the full report here:
Executive Summary of Findings
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Tuscaloosa Neighbors Together developed a forty-nine (49) question online survey that included multiple choice and open-ended questions. The survey was distributed widely through neighborhood email lists, social media, and announcements in the Tuscaloosa News.
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There were 368 participants, including 24 homeowner or neighborhood association representatives and 45 STR operators.
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Approximately half (53.4%) the sample had lived in Tuscaloosa for 21 years or longer.
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Approximately 130 neighborhoods were represented by at least one participant.
Results
Neighborhood Policies and Support for STRs
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Most neighborhoods do not have regulations or policies related to STRs.
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The general public and neighborhood representatives indicated their neighborhoods did not support STRs.
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STR operators’ overwhelmingly viewed their neighborhoods as supporting STRs.
Current Operation of STRs
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Only 35% of respondents with STRs currently operating in their neighborhood were satisfied with their operation.
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A minority of the general public (15%) and STR operators (24%) were satisfied with the City’s current enforcement of STR regulations.
Concerns about Expanding STRs Citywide
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The majority of the general public indicated that six neighborhood characteristics would become worse if STRs expanded into their neighborhood. The greatest concerns were for:
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Quality of life for long-term residents (63%)
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Attractiveness of the neighborhood for residents (62%)
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Maintaining a sense of neighborhood community (65%)
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Protections for Neighborhoods
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Policies related to enforcement collectively showed the highest rates of endorsement, with 65% to 79% of the general public showing some support for these ideas.
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Protections that would limit the expansion of STRs had support from the majority of the general public. Endorsement was highest for requiring:
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The STR to be the primary residence of the operator (71%).
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Support from neighborhoods before STRs are permitted (64%)
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The majority of STR operators failed to endorse these same protections, with the exception of institute meaningful consequences to offenders (57%).
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Nearly 70% of the general public preferred that the operation of STRs be limited to a total of 30 days or less per year (including none).
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The vast majority of the general public preferred to cap the number of adults at six of fewer (73%); whereas the vast majority of STR operators endorsed a seven or higher (71%).