This is a guest opinion column
As a proud Birmingham resident and dedicated short-term rental host for several years, I have witnessed firsthand the numerous benefits short-term rentals bring to our community. Hosting has not only provided financial stability for my family but also allowed me to showcase the rich history and vibrant culture of Birmingham to visitors from around the world.
My family started our hosting journey by sharing the homes we used to live in in Birmingham’s South Titusville and West End neighborhoods — both of which have deep connections to the 1960s civil rights movement. One of our homes, for example, is near the 6th Avenue Baptist Church where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke many times. As a host, I’m proud to share my love and passion for these neighborhoods, while allowing visitors to honor the bravery and resilience of those who fought for equality. By providing guests with a meaningful and educational experience, short-term rental hosts can help our city continue to adapt for change and show that Birmingham learns from its past while looking forward to a brighter future.
My son is also a short-term rental host who began sharing his apartment with visitors to help support his collaboration with a Grammy-nominated music artist. The income from these rentals has been life-changing, enabling him to pursue his dream in the music industry and allowing me to develop valuable property management and business skills. Both my own hosting experience and that of my son are a testament to the broader economic and personal growth opportunities that short-term rentals offer Birmingham residents.
What’s more, the economic impact of short-term rentals extends beyond hosts. Our guests spend their money at localized neighborhood shops and restaurants, helping our small businesses thrive. They open job opportunities for other minority entrepreneurs who work with hosts like myself to take care of short-term rental properties through cleaning and lawn care services. We also host many families who rely on short-term rentals as part of their process of moving to Birmingham permanently. This symbiotic relationship benefits hosts, guests, and the local economy alike, and it’s critical we continue to provide accommodation options that make visitors and our future workforce feel welcome in our city.
Concerns about parties and disruptive behavior are often overstated. As hosts, we are vigilant in ensuring our guests respect our properties and neighborhoods. For example, I don’t allow guests to book the same day after 4:00 P.M. and I only allow guests whose photo ID, email, and telephone number are already verified on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb, which conduct a background screening. The majority of our guests are responsible individuals who appreciate the unique experience we offer.
I believe Birmingham has the opportunity to set a precedent for other cities by adopting fair and reasonable short-term rental regulations. These regulations should support local hosts and prevent bad actors from operating within the city. Rather than focusing solely on code enforcement, which is currently understaffed, the city should collaborate with hosts and short-term rental platforms to educate hosts about how to prevent disruptive behavior and ensure a positive experience for all.
I urge the Birmingham City Council to preserve the positive impact of short-term rentals and adopt regulations that are fair and reasonable. By doing so, we can support local hosts, enhance our neighborhoods, and continue to welcome visitors who contribute to Birmingham’s vibrant community.
Let’s embrace this opportunity to create a model for other cities, ensuring that short-term rentals benefit everyone involved – hosts, local residents, and the government. Together, we can build a thriving and inclusive Birmingham that honors its past while looking forward to a prosperous future.
Judson Young, of It’s A Trip, with two short-term rental properties—one in South Titusville and the other in West End. I am also a member of the Birmingham Area Short-Term Rental Group, actively involved in the local rental community.
