Re: “Rules for short-term rentals like those through Airbnb proposed in Portland” (Oct. 12):

I’m a resident of City Council District 4 in Portland. I own a single-family home on Whittier Street, off Veranda. I’m a social worker at the Veterans Administration, and I’m also an officer in the Maine Army National Guard.

I bought my home this year, and I help to pay the mortgage by renting out the second floor for short-term rentals through Airbnb. I tend to have young people in their 20s stay with me, but I also have families traveling on a budget coming to Portland for events such as weddings.

Many of my guests have told me that they either can’t find an open hotel room or that they can’t afford the hotel prices. The families, in particular, have told me they would much rather prefer to stay in a home then in a hotel as they want a full kitchen and space for their kids to play.

Like many other Maine residents, I’m living with enormous student loan debt. I attended a top-ranked graduate program in New England, and I was thankful that I was able to secure a wonderful job. However, I pay handsomely for my education each month when I send my loan check out.

Banning or restricting Airbnb would hurt me personally as a single person using this second income to offset the costs of my graduate student loans, my mortgage and my monthly living expenses.

Julie Joy

Portland

Copy the Story Link