Booking a hotel for a big game at the last minute can be tough in Auburn, and that's why some homeowners have started renting their homes out for weekends via rental websites.
Websites, such as AirBnB.com, UniversityFootballRentals.com and Gameday Housing.com all compete for renters looking for a place to stay after the game. However, the city of Auburn warns homeowners may be violating city zoning ordinances and tax law, according to an Aug. 25 press release.
"The short answer is yes, these [game day rentals] are violating the city zoning ordinances," said David Dorton, director of public affairs for Auburn.
The press release urged homeowners considering renting out their homes to contact the Auburn planning department to find out what is allowed. It also warned renting a home could negatively affect any homestead exemption status with Lee County.
Forrest Cotten, director of the Auburn planning department, said enforcement of the regulations is complaint driven.
"When neighbors complain, we'll pursue a case in municipal court," Cotten said. "Most folks resolve it before it gets to court."
Penny Smith, director of the Auburn Finance Department, said they first work with the homeowners and the Auburn planning department to handle complaints about people renting their homes.
"We may reach out to the owners," Smith said. "If we feel it needs to be escalated, we'll get the police division involved."
On Sunday, Sept. 21, there were still seven listings on UniversityFootballRentals.com for the LSU game on Oct. 4 -- some as high as $1,000 per night.
Cities all across the United States, including Auburn, have struggled on how to deal with the rise of websites, such as AirBnB.com, which let homeowners rent out their property like hotels.
This summer Portland, Oregon, legalized short-term rentals in the city, according to The Oregonian.
An Auburn resident and homeowner, who only wanted to be known as Jane, said she doesn't think the city of Auburn should be involved in telling homeowners what they can do with their homes on game day weekends.
"I think the city should just stay out of it all together," Jane said. "I don't think they should give permission or make us ask for permission or interfere with it in any way. These are private decisions that we, as homeowners, are making."
People renting their home out are filling a need and willing to be hospitable, according to Jane.
"We want people to come and enjoy the games and we want them to have a nice place to stay," Jane said. "Hotels fill up really quickly and they jack prices up quite high for game-day weekends."
According to Jane, she has only had positive experiences when renting her house for game days.
"I've had no major problems," Jane said. "In fact, all people are very respectful. Because these are Auburn fans, these are Auburn people who live the Auburn Creed, you know? You trust them."
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