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Galveston Short Term Rental Hotline

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Galveston’s New Hotline and Committee for Short-Term Rentals: A Local’s Perspective

If you’ve ever been woken up by late-night party noise or found your street lined with extra cars, you’re not alone. As a Galveston resident, I’ve seen the good, bad, and ugly sides of short-term rentals (STRs) here on the island. That’s why the city’s new 24/7 hotline and recently formed STR committee are welcome news for many locals who’ve been vocal about their concerns.

The Hotline: A Direct Line for STR Issues

The Galveston call center is your go-to resource for all things STR-related. Got a problem with noise, trash, parking, or overcrowding? Simply call 409-247-8160 anytime, day or night. The hotline launched in mid-2023 and has already handled 225 calls in its first year. Complaints can range from loud parties to unregistered rentals, and the call center staff knows how to direct each issue appropriately. Emergency? They’ll remind you to call 911. For non-emergencies like noise, they’ll connect you to the Galveston Police Department or provide the non-emergency number.

One important requirement for STR owners is having a “one-hour contact.” This means someone must be available to address complaints within an hour of a call—a small step toward holding property owners accountable.

Tracking Down Unregistered Rentals

In a move to ensure compliance, Galveston has invested $1.2 million in state-of-the-art software. This system scours the internet for STR listings and cross-references them with the city’s registration database. With over 4,800 STRs on the island, this initiative aims to catch unregistered properties and boost hotel occupancy tax (HOT) revenue. Last year alone, unregistered rentals potentially cost the city thousands in registration fees and untold HOT dollars. Failure to register could now lead to hefty fines and delisting from rental platforms—a real incentive for owners to play by the rules.

A New Committee for Residents’ Voices

Managing STRs isn’t just about technology; it’s also about hearing from those who live next door to these properties. That’s where the new city-sponsored STR committee comes in. Approved in December 2024, this group includes seven community members appointed by city council, plus representatives from local organizations like the Short Term Rental Owners Association of Galveston, Vision Galveston, and the Galveston Association of Vacation Rental Managers.

The committee will meet monthly for one year to address residents’ concerns and craft regulations that balance the needs of locals with those of STR owners. As the city takes over STR management from the Galveston Park Board, this committee is a vital step in ensuring residents have a say in shaping the future of short-term rentals on the island.

Why This Matters

If you’ve been impacted by STR issues, don’t hesitate to call the hotline at 409-247-8160. And keep an eye on the STR committee’s progress. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or STR operator, your voice matters in these discussions. Together, we can help Galveston find a balance that works for everyone.

As a proud islander, I’m optimistic about these changes. Galveston’s charm lies in its vibrant mix of locals, visitors, and history. By addressing STR challenges head-on, we can ensure our community remains a great place to live, work, and play.

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