Dear Editor,

In response to the Jamaica Observer editorials published on October 23, 2018 and February 21, 2019 captioned ‘Rent Board must not take sides against short-term rentals’ and ‘Airbnb: Fee on short-term rentals could boost community security and health’, respectively, I note that in the latter publication I have been referred to as a naysayer regarding short-term rentals. The article also unjustifiably refers to me as a detractor who views short-term rental — the new entrant — as an unwelcome intruder.

In all my deliberations and discussions on the matter, I have prefaced my conversations with the benefits associated with short-term rentals, especially in the Jamaican context. Among the many advantages, I have posited that the avenue provides exposure to Jamaican lifestyle, culture and other attractions.

In what I deem to be a balanced discussion of the matter, I have also requested that the relevant stakeholders be mindful of the negative issues that can accompany this matter of short-term rentals. Issues such as security, zoning, impact on the long-term rental market, the need for regulations are matters that ought to jolt us into broader thinking of the other attending issues. We must be careful to not be hypnotised by the dollars and cents profitability that can emanate from this phenomenon, but as well-thinking, patriotic citizens of Jamaica we must examine all facets of this issue to protect the people in our country who offer and utilise this service.

Contrary to the views postulated in the October 23, 2018 editorial, realtors are excited about the impact that short-term rentals will likely have on their industry, and by extension the Jamaican economy. Our REALTORS® sell units and properties for short-term rentals and are oftentimes charged with managing activities related to rental of these properties. I am in total agreement with the position that there is need for regulation in the emerging sector. How then will these regulations be developed and effectively enforced if all the possibilities are not adequately ventilated and examined?

As a patriotic citizen of Jamaica, I would never support the reversal of a trend that has the potential to be beneficial to my country. I wholeheartedly support the entrepreneurial spirit of Jamaicans having been an entrepreneur for all my adult life. My simple ask of everyone involved, including community groups, is that we examine all aspects of this new entrant that is short-term rentals. I am optimistic that all stakeholders, including the authors of the respective editorials, will be willing to engage in dialogue around this matter so that the negative repercussions from a poorly managed short-term rental market, as well as the benefits to be derived through fully reconnoitred regulations, can be understood by all involved.

We must recall that the best advocates of any issue are the ones that fully understand both sides.

Howard Johnson Jr

howard.jr@hjrealtors.com