La Quinta enforces city approval for short-term rentals ahead of stay

The City of La Quinta is now taking an additional measure to enforce rules for short term rental requiring city approval for each rental ahead of the stay.

“I think its great you know that the city going to be able crack down on some of these people and make a change," said Mike Goble who lives in the La Quinta Cove.

Goble said he’s happy to hear the city is now in charge of approving those staying in short-term rentals through documentation. The city implemented the new rule to help keep the community safer during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It’s frustrating to see people can just come in with no one knowing and rent these houses out," said Goble. "They are here for a couple of days and then they bounce out.”

Goble said he’s witnessed neighbors not follow regulations limiting lodging services to essential workers. 

“Everyone needs to pitch in and do their part around here," said Goble.

City officials tell News Channel 3 that they are in the process of citing a short term rental home in the lower La Quinta Cove area, who did not comply with city and county orders. The penalty will be a $5,000 fine and license suspension for one year.

“We still have about 100 of those 180 that have been called in," said La Quinta city manager Jon McMillen. "We’re still working through the backlog.” 

McMillen said the city amended its orders for the second time last Thursday after receiving recent complaints that many short-term rental homes and businesses were still operating against orders not to. They had to take further action.

“Anybody that’s renting a short-term rental unit, they have to get pre-approval," said McMillen. "They have to seek that approval through the city and provide supporting documentation for that rental."

McMillen said he’s hoping STVR owners will comply with this latest order. 

Allison Talvot is pleased to see the city's action against abuses.

“I am proud of the city that they really care about us and they care about and care about the residents that are here now, they don’t want outsiders potentially harming the community.” 

For more information on La Quinta's short term rental orders. Click Here.