Press Release
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 2, 2019
Media Contacts:
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MRLA Supports Comprehensive Solution on Short-Term Rentals
Legislation Introduced in the House Creates Level Playing Field, Safer Rentals, Stronger Communities
Legislation Introduced in the House Creates Level Playing Field, Safer Rentals, Stronger Communities
LANSING, Mich., May 2, 2019 – The Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) strongly supported a ten-bill package introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives today. The bills (HB 4554 – 4563) seek to address growing concerns with the largely unregulated expansion of short-term rental properties in the state.
“The hospitality industry, like so many others, is changing rapidly amid a generation of technological disruption,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA. “As the lines between hotels and short-term rentals begin to blur, it is increasingly important that we enact a fair and responsive regulatory structure that ensures the safety of all of our guests, regardless of where they stay.”
Currently, short term rentals like those commonly found on sites such as “Airbnb” and “VRBO” are not held to the same health and safety standards as traditional hotels. In addition, short-term rentals are not required to pay use and excise taxes required of hotel and motel room stays despite the fact that 80 percent of all Airbnb stays occur at “whole-unit” locations where the owner is not present. In other words, 4 out of 5 short-term rentals are operated as de facto hotels while avoiding any of the financial or regulatory burden required of a traditional hotel.
This legislation offers a comprehensive solution, creating a level playing field that allows short-term rentals to thrive while establishing a necessary balance that maintains the integrity of Michigan’s vibrant local communities.
“The tourism industry is fundamental to Michigan’s economic future,” added Winslow. “It is clear that short-term rentals will play a very real role in that future, which is why it is imperative that we come together to ensure that future is one that is safe for everyone and doesn’t destroy the fabric of our authentic neighborhoods.”
The MRLA is joined by the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Michigan Municipal League in supporting House Bills 4554 – 4563.
“The hospitality industry, like so many others, is changing rapidly amid a generation of technological disruption,” said Justin Winslow, President & CEO of the MRLA. “As the lines between hotels and short-term rentals begin to blur, it is increasingly important that we enact a fair and responsive regulatory structure that ensures the safety of all of our guests, regardless of where they stay.”
Currently, short term rentals like those commonly found on sites such as “Airbnb” and “VRBO” are not held to the same health and safety standards as traditional hotels. In addition, short-term rentals are not required to pay use and excise taxes required of hotel and motel room stays despite the fact that 80 percent of all Airbnb stays occur at “whole-unit” locations where the owner is not present. In other words, 4 out of 5 short-term rentals are operated as de facto hotels while avoiding any of the financial or regulatory burden required of a traditional hotel.
This legislation offers a comprehensive solution, creating a level playing field that allows short-term rentals to thrive while establishing a necessary balance that maintains the integrity of Michigan’s vibrant local communities.
“The tourism industry is fundamental to Michigan’s economic future,” added Winslow. “It is clear that short-term rentals will play a very real role in that future, which is why it is imperative that we come together to ensure that future is one that is safe for everyone and doesn’t destroy the fabric of our authentic neighborhoods.”
The MRLA is joined by the Michigan Association of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and the Michigan Municipal League in supporting House Bills 4554 – 4563.
About the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association (MRLA) is the recognized leader of Michigan's hospitality industry, providing essential services to the foodservice and lodging community. Founded in 1921 as the Michigan Restaurant Association and now known as the MRLA, the Association represents over 5,000 Michigan foodservice and lodging establishments. The industry plays an integral role in Michigan's economy, employing more than 595,000 people and creating nearly $40 billion in annual sales. For more information, visit www.mrla.org and www.detroitrla.org.
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