CTAR’s President Shares His Views on the Isle of Palms Short Term Rental Issue
on March 5th, 2007 at 2:46 pmThe President of the Charleston Trident Association of Realtors recently wrote a letter to the Editors of the Post and Courier and the Moultrie News in regard to the Isle of Palms short term rental situation we previously blogged about. In our blogs, we try to show you perspectives from all sides of an issue. We try to post all comments–but it doesn’t necessarily mean that we believe in all of them. We want to educate you. Knowledge is power and it is always important to see an issue from all sides.
February 21, 2007
Dear Editor:
REALTORS believe that private property rights are fundamental to our free-market economic system and a cornerstone upon which this nation was founded. The U.S. and S.C. Constitutions protect the natural right to own property. A strong economy depends upon preserving the right to freely own, use and transfer real property.
This belief is being challenged on the Isle of Palms. On Thursday, February 22, 2007 the Isle of Palms City Council may consider ordinances which could strictly limit or abolish short-term rentals. In an effort to curb noise pollution, traffic and trash they may consider stripping property owners of their rights. We also understand a property owner’s right to quiet enjoyment; therefore, we support efforts to enforce and strengthen ordinances already on the books or to settle such disputes with a livability court. However, limiting or abolishing short-term rentals is not the solution.
In the off-season short-term rentals account for 80% of the rental business on the Island, contributing to local stores, restaurants and residents. The presence and spending power of these renters leads to economic development and opportunities for an improved quality of life for residents. An increased tax base, which rental properties provide, is crucial to government’s ability to deliver necessary public services, new amenities for neighborhoods and to maintain infrastructure to serve the needs of the community.
When a person buys a home on the Isle of Palms, with the intention of renting that home, we will defend their rights as private property owners. An anti-rental ordinance takes money out of their pockets and threatens the economic vitality of the community. While this issue does not directly impact all of our members, the fundamental right to freely own, use and transfer real property does. This issue is deeper than noise, traffic or trash; it is about private property rights, which we will always support!
Respectfully,
David Kent
President, Charleston Trident Association of REALTORS
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