Bloomington considers regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb

The city of Bloomington may be the first in Indiana to propose an ordinance regulating short-term rentals available through websites like Airbnb.

The proposal would require those operating the short-term rentals to have a $100 permit from the city – with a $2,500 fine if caught without one.  The ordinance would also cover property inspections.  City officials say they want to make sure the rentals are safe and sanitary.

Susan Slaven rents her condo out on weekend as a way to generate extra income.  She says there’s a need for short-term rentals in college towns like Bloomington.

Slaven says she’d like to see officials change parts of the proposal before it goes to the city council as early as November.

According to Airbnb, no Indiana cities have specific ordinances regulating short-term rental properties.