Fall River is considering legalizing short-term rentals, but strict rules may prevent the Highlands mansion from operating as an Airbnb.
At a recent meeting, city councilors discussed a new ordinance that would allow residents to rent their primary homes under specific conditions. The proposal passed its first reading but needs a second vote after adding requirements for business-scale insurance.
The city’s iconic mansion at 503 Highland Ave. is currently listed on Vrbo, but the owner, Austin Feng, is in a legal battle with the city after being denied a zoning variance. Right now, short-term rentals aren’t legal in Fall River, and the city is cautious about the potential impact on neighborhoods.
City officials are concerned that short-term rentals could disrupt local communities. They’re considering a 4% tax on these rentals, similar to hotel taxes, to help manage the situation. Platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo are willing to work with the city to streamline tax collection and rental applications.
There’s no clear count of how many short-term rentals are operating illegally in Fall River. Some council members have noticed several appealing listings but pointed out that the city isn’t benefiting financially from them.
The proposed ordinance has specific conditions. For example, primary residences can’t be rented for more than 30 days at a time, and operators must live at the property for at least nine months a year. There are also limits on the number of guests and quiet hours that must be observed.
The city is also looking at what types of properties can be rented. Single-family homes and subsidized housing won’t qualify for short-term rentals. If a property has multiple violations in a year, it could be disqualified.
As for the ongoing legal issues, Feng and the city are currently in a lawsuit over the right to rent the mansion. The case is still pending, and a ruling hasn’t been made yet. Meanwhile, there are still a few listings available on Airbnb and Vrbo in Fall River, including the mansion, which is priced at $883 per night.
