Opposition to short-term rental rules ratches upward

During last night’s public comment session at City Hall, clamor was sounded about Seneca’s move to regulate the conduct of property owners renting their houses for short-term periods. Word that Seneca leaders are about to act on a new short-term rental law has made its way into the home community and has drawn the ire of, among others, those engaged in real estate sales. Speaking as a member of the region realtors’ organization, Reah Smith warned the council that curbs on the conditions under which real estate owners rent their properties could lead to expensive litigation. West Union area residents Lana and Bruce Justice are examples of absentee property owners who want to derive income from the house they own in Seneca. Short-term rentals were not on last night’s agenda for action, but a previous lawsuit—Chace versus the city of Seneca—was scheduled to be taken up in executive session.