HOUSTON — On Wednesday, another Houston leader reacted to KHOU 11 News’ stories on problematic short-term rental properties around the city.
City Council Member Tiffany Thomas represents neighborhoods in west and southwest Houston, including the Alief area.
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“(My constituents) are greatly concerned,” Thomas said on Wednesday morning. “I think all of us can agree that it’s a great economic tool. It’s a great source of income for those that are retired or those that have an appetite to be a business owner, but when it’s disrupting the fabric of the neighborhood, when we have reports of prostitution, alleged human trafficking, loud parties ... it overextends HPD.”
Thomas said that because private property “is king and queen” in Texas, she believes the key to restricting problem properties lies in updating language in deed restrictions that are often decades old.
“Many cities, Dallas, Austin, offered ordinances that were struck down in the court, and so, we’re not encumbered in legal fees if we can assist neighborhoods,” Thomas said. “They’ll be better protected, and that’s what we want in the long run.”
Mayor John Whitmire told KHOU 11 News on Tuesday that he was already working with City Attorney Arturo Michel on the issue.
He said many short-term rentals are operating as hotels, which fall under different rules.
Meanwhile, Thomas plans to host a workshop on deed restrictions on April 27 at the Tracy Gee Community Center in southwest Houston.
She said lawyers will guide residents through updating the language to impose conditions restricting short-term rentals.