ST. LOUIS – Voters in the City of St. Louis approved a ballot measure to impose a new fee for people who operate short-term rentals, according to unofficial election results from the St. Louis Board of Election Commissioners.
The ballot measure, listed as Proposition S, calls for a “3% of the nightly rate” fee for those who operate short-term rentals of their homes or properties through short-term rental services, such as Airbnb and VRBO.
At least half of the proceeds collected within the fees would support the city’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, according to the proposition, which aims to help low-income residents afford homes and repairs. The rest of the proceeds would support “other affordable housing initiatives such as relocation assistance or counsel eviction defense.”
Additionally, the St. Louis Mayor’s Office announced changes around the short-term rental permit process on Wednesday.
According to a news release from the mayor’s office, the city is now requiring a permit to operate short-term rental units. Current short-term rental owners and platforms must apply for a permit, and have until May 6, 2025 to receive a permit to carry on with short-term rentals.
“We heard our community members loud and clear, and now St. Louis City is following national best practices in regulating this industry,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones via a news release. “As a City, we can both encourage tourism and ensure that these rental units are not a nuisance in their neighborhoods.”
The City will also have an STR-specific hotline, both online and by phone at (314) 798-9245, where residents can report short-term rental-related issues.