Hosts taking advantage of illegal short-term rentals in Clark County

LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — The countdown is on 2022 NFL Draft is coming to Las Vegas this week.

The event is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors, but Clark County residents fear more people are trying to make money hosting illegal short-term rentals.

The Strip is in unincorporated Clark County, where rentals like Airbnb and Vrbo are not allowed. A quick search of the app shows dozens of rentals within walking distance of the Strip, ranging from $50 to over $300 a night. Some ads specifically target draft fans in the title of the rental.

Two people told 13 Action News they were hosting illegal short-term rentals in Clark County, but backed out of an on-camera interview for fear of reprisal. One of the hosts said he bought the house with the intention of retiring there, but in the meantime he is making a profit.

Recently, a study of Compare the market ranked Las Vegas as the best in the world in terms of revenue for Airbnb hosts. He said the average monthly Airbnb rent is nearly $10,500, more than 550% more than a landlord would get for monthly private rent.

In a Clark County Commission meeting in Marchneighbors of illegal short-term rentals said the parties had created headaches.

“The first party was late at night, we were drinking, people throwing stuff over fences, lights everywhere, noise. It was a disaster,” said Marlen Hoesly, who lives in Winchester.

If you suspect your neighbor is renting their home illegally, you can report the issue to the Clark County Response Office or submit a Apply online on the department’s website.

Airbnb sent this statement to 13 Action News:

In a few months, all that could change. Clark County commissioners are working to legalize and regulate short-term rentals by July 1.