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MINUTES OF THE <br />ORONO CITY COUNCIL MEETING <br />Monday, April 11, 2016 <br />7:00 o’clock p.m. <br />_____________________________________________________________________________________ <br /> <br />Page 27 of 32 <br /> <br />16. #15-3759 CITY OF ORONO TEXT AMENDMENT – SHORT-TERM (VACATION) <br />RENTALS (continued) <br /> <br />Carter stated most of the people who do short-term rentals are either on Airbnb or VRBO. Carter the <br />majority of people on VRBO are vacation rentals by owner and they rent their home out for a weekend at <br />a time. Airbnb tends to be for two or three days. Carter noted she does not want someone in her home <br />for longer than four or five days at a time. <br /> <br />Carter stated her neighbors know she does this and are supportive. Carter noted someone could live next <br />door to someone with five teenagers and there could be issues with that. Carter stated typically she only <br />has two people coming in at a time, the property is owner occupied, and that she is not looking for folks <br />who want to come and party. Carter stated she is very selective about who she rents her home to. <br /> <br />McMillan asked if she is ever not home when she has visitors in. <br /> <br />Carter stated they are always there or available by phone. Carter stated the people tend to appreciate the <br />fact that they are around. Carter noted she greets all her guests, show them around the house, and tell <br />them a little about the area. Carter stated she has all five star reviews because she does a good job. <br /> <br />Printup asked what her thoughts are about renting their home out when they are not home. <br /> <br />Carter stated typically that happens when a home is being handled by a management home and that she <br />personally is not aware of anyone who simply hands their keys over without someone being around. <br />Carter stated that type of a situation is common in more recreational areas such as Cape Cod where there <br />are absentee owners. Carter commented the longer someone stays, the more comfortable they get, which <br />is when things start to slide with personal behavior. Someone staying for a couple of days tends to be on <br />their best behavior. <br /> <br />Cornick asked if she carries any special homeowners insurance. <br />Carter stated they are completely covered by their homeowners insurance and she is not required to carry <br />any extra insurance. In addition, Airbnb provides insurance, which would cover anything above and <br />beyond what her personal homeowners insurance would cover. Carter stated her belief is that Airbnb’s <br />insurance is a $2 million policy. <br /> <br />Cornick asked if she does any type of background check. <br /> <br />Carter indicated she does not but that Airbnb does. The prospective renters have to provide their driver’s <br />license number, their license plate number, and Airbnb verifies their background. If someone does not <br />pass those verifications, she will not accept their application. Carter stated she does not have to accept <br />them and she can ask them specific questions prior to renting. <br /> <br />Cornick asked if she requires a damage deposit. <br /> <br />Carter indicated she does not since it would be covered under Airbnb and that the person also has the <br />option to purchase insurance on their own through Airbnb. Carter stated to her knowledge most people <br />go through Airbnb or another similar organization because otherwise it would require a lot of work by the <br />homeowner to verify and arrange everything.