MILTON, Del. — The Milton Town Council is set to consider major changes to its rental property ordinance at a public meeting Monday night, including stricter regulations for short-term rentals such as those listed on Airbnb and Vrbo.
The proposed ordinance would amend Chapter 164 of the town code and introduce new licensing, safety, and operational requirements for any rental unit offered for 30 days or less. Among the changes:
- Property owners would be required to obtain an annual rental license
- Limit overnight occupancy to two adults per bedroom
- Ensure the presence of functioning smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers
The ordinance also calls for a designated local contact person to be available 24/7 and respond to complaints within one hour when the property is occupied. Short-term rentals would be prohibited from hosting commercial events or public gatherings, and owners would be required to share local laws with tenants and post emergency information inside the unit.
Three or more violations in a calendar year could result in license revocation and a one-year delay before reapplying.
Town officials say the updates are aimed at improving safety, preserving neighborhood character, and ensuring rental properties are held to consistent standards. If passed, the changes would take effect immediately for new applicants.
Local Janice Mills says some regulation would help.
"You don't want people in your neighborhood throwing wild parties, then parking is difficult. There's noise all night. Both, the renters and the rentees really do have responsibilities to their neighbors," said Mills.
Miltonian Jeanette Barrett says she supports control, in what she calls a reasonable fashion.
"I'm not against short term rentals because it does stimulate the local economy to have that influx of people. But you don't want people coming in that are not respectful or conscious of the surrounding area," said Barrett.
The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. at the Milton Library.