AUSTIN – A heated debate over short-term rentals which was two years in the making ended Thursday evening in a 5 to 2 vote with the Austin City Council passing the proposal.
The council wants to put regulations on properties which are rented out by homeowners regardless of whether or not they live on the property.
People renting out their properties on a short-term basis may now be subjected to paying hotel taxes.
The issue made for a packed house at Austin City Hall chambers Thursday where more than 80 people signed up to speak for or against the issue.
Council members Kathie Tovo and Laura Morrison both voted against the ordinance which goes into effect on October 1, 2012.
City staffers will begin working on the language of the ordinance Friday and are expected to have it available to the public on Monday.
