An A-frame house in Central Houston posted on Airbnb.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a news conference on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 in Houston.

When it comes to short-term rental properties, Mayor John Whitmire is right. Something needs to be done.

Houston, ranked No. 3 in the U.S. for short-term rentals last year, is one of the few major cities without regulations for short-term rentals.

Residents in the Museum District and the Galleria made news last week with complaints of noisy and unruly parties, domestic violence and public sex at area short-term rentals.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Those neighborhoods aren’t alone. In recent years, we’ve seen a rise in short-term rental properties across the city. They are quite common in my Third Ward neighborhood, where many blocks are a mix of single-family homes and multi-family units. Most operate mannerly within quiet neighborhoods filled with families, children, and seniors, and you don't even realize they are there. On my block, there are at least five properties that are used for short-term rentals.

Most guests are good neighbors —........

© Houston Chronicle