City of South Lake Tahoe asks lodging industry to not rent to visitors during "Stay at Home" order

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Interim Police Chief Shannon Laney sent out a letter to vacation homeowners and lodging properties on Monday, telling them to cease renting to non-exempt short-term visitors. California Governor Newsom issued a state-wide Stay at Home Order on March 19, 2020, which bans all non-essential travel, including staying in accommodations in Lake Tahoe.

Over the weekend the City of South Lake Tahoe received many reports of out-of-town visitors staying at motels, hotels and vacation homes. In response, Laney's letter to owners, asking them to not rent for at least 30 days, until April 23.

Any watching the news this weekend saw thousands defying the Governor's order and flocked not only to Lake Tahoe but to beaches and outdoor recreation areas across the state.

Many vacation home management companies already blocked their calendars for 30-60 days prior to Laney's message, but others continue to rent.

Locals who live in motels are not be affected by this ruling.

The letter also asked owners to be flexible in their cancelation policies. "The City is also asking you to be flexible with your current reservation holders and allow them to re-schedule or be reimbursed for canceled trips," said Laney in the letter.

"The COVID-19 public health emergency requires everyone’s cooperation. The City is asking you to work with us in partnership to keep our community safe," added Laney who was writing for the City.

Other jurisdictions across the country have been banning short-term rentals in their communities, including Mammoth and Lake County. While this isn't a ban, yet, it is bringing the serious situation out in the open.

At this time no local jurisdiction has banned the use of VHRs or motels, but the evolving situation could change. South Lake Tahoe was the first to direct owners to not rent for at least 30 days.

The South Lake Tahoe City Council will be holding an emergency meeting on Wednesday to deal with this exact topic.

The letter to lodging industry: As you are probably aware, Governor Newsom issued a state-wide Stay at Home Order on March 19, 2020, which bans all non-essential travel. Over the weekend, the City received many reports of out of town visitors staying at VHRs, hotels, and motels. The City of South Lake Tahoe is asking our Vacation Home Rental permittees, hotels, and motels to cease renting to non-exempt short-term visitors until at least April 23rd (30 days). The City is also asking you to be flexible with your current reservation holders and allow them to reschedule or be reimbursed for canceled trips. The COVID-19 public health emergency requires everyone’s cooperation. The City is asking you to work with us in partnership to keep our community safe.

The City has also created a FAQ page: http://cityofslt.us/1076/Frequently-Asked-Questions.