While short-term housing rental sites like Airbnb and Vrbo have soared in popularity in recent years, opinions as to whether they help or hinder a community vary. In Greensboro, officials craft proposed rules on such properties.
Daniel Coffey, who offers short-term rentals on two properties he owns, said “It provides a great alternative for people who want…to explore the community differently than (from the perspective of a hotel).”
However, Kathe Latham, a retired teacher, said “The larger picture is that it’s taking away low-cost housing.”
Roberto Quercia, a UNC professor who specializes in housing and community development, said that “each housing market is unique” and that Greensboro’s plans to collect information about short-term rentals would help the city gauge their impact on the affordable housing market.