Short-term rentals are often looked at as if there is something devilish about them. They can be a way a family can make extra money. They can be well run. They can be a fun way to vacation.

But do people long for a short-term rental next door? Might they be denying permanent housing to someone in Deschutes County?

Bend tightened its regulations on short-term rentals in October 2022. The buffer zone around existing rentals was extended from 250 feet to 500 feet. Over time, that may reduce the numbers of short-term rentals in some areas.

And this week, Deschutes County commissioners are scheduled to take a look at regulating short-term rentals. It might begin by requiring a business license. That wouldn’t necessarily reduce the number of short-term rentals in the county’s unincorporated areas. It might ensure a short-term rental nearby would be a better neighbor.

For instance, the county could require property manager contact information be posted and that someone be available 24/7 to respond to issues. Neighbors who live adjacent to the property could be required to be given the contact information in writing. The county might put in place a standard to have a short-term rental license suspended or revoked if there are repeated violations. There is also a suggestion for quiet hours that could run between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m..

Those and more are just ideas put forward by staff for commissioners to consider.

Bend has mapped its short-term rentals and there are some parts of town where it can be difficult to walk a few steps and not find another. They do represent about 2% of the city’s housing stock of 46,000 units, according to city research released in 2023. We haven’t seen similar data for the county.

Short-term rental licenses in the county could be a tool to help make living in the county more neighborly. The test would be if complaints will be responded to. Would owners respond in a timely way? Does the county have the staff to respond?

Deschutes County commissioners are scheduled to discuss the possible licenses on Wednesday. There is more information here: tinyurl.com/DCountyrentals.