EL PASO COUNTY — Short-term or long-term rental owners in El Paso County had the opportunity to share their thoughts Thursday night on obstacles they face as property owners.
El Paso County Assessor Steve Schleiker held the first of three meetings to try and address the problems these owners can face, such as issues with lenders or changes in local ordinances.
Other issues these rental owners can face include state law, Homeowners Associations, and taxing residential rentals and Airbnb rentals at a higher rate.
One Airbnb owner, Matthew Schniper, said paying four times the amount of property tax as a short-term rental owner is unfair.
"I would say that's an overreach and a little bit unfair, or maybe a lot unfair," Schniper said. "I think it's too much."
Schleiker said he is working to educate these property owners about they can and cannot do. One property owner said people just need to see what it's like.
"Come out here and just see it and listen to what we do so you can see, well, we're not just like a hotel and maybe the money's not there for taxes," Mark Breuer said.
Schleiker said some communities, such as Denver, have become so restrictive for these rental properties that more of these owners are giving up their permits.
The next meeting will be held Tuesday, Sept. 10, at the El Paso County Centennial Hall at 7:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the County's parking garage on Sawatch Avenue near the Pikes Peak Center.
