In November, the city of Las Vegas slapped a homeowner with a hefty $180,000 fine. This charge was imposed because he allegedly allowed his property to be used as an unlicensed Airbnb location close to the bustling Las Vegas Strip.
Caught in a Rental Scam: The Homeowner’s Side of the Story
The homeowner, who spoke to Business Insider, explained that he felt trapped in a scam executed by the person leasing his property. He was under the impression that he was unfairly targeted by a deceptive tenant.
Investment Gone Wrong: Purchasing Property in Las Vegas
Back in June 2021, Xin Tao, an engineer primarily based in Oregon, purchased a residence in Las Vegas. This property, featuring five bedrooms and two bathrooms, cost him $378,000. Tao acquired this house as an investment and considered listing it on Airbnb. However, he decided against it and instead opted for a long-term rental agreement in September 2021, a contract that Business Insider had a chance to review.
Neighborhood Disturbances and Ongoing Issues
Shortly after signing the lease, neighbors began lodging complaints about the property. Excessive cars parked on the premises and other disruptive activities disturbed them. In response to these complaints, city officials visited the property twice, once in October 2021 and again in February 2022. On both occasions, individuals at the home claimed they were Airbnb renters, according to city enforcement logs. Following these incidents, Tao faced fines totaling $2,132 for the unauthorized stay in February 2022.
Escalating Fines and Legal Struggles
After his tenant moved out in September 2023, a cleaning service discovered a notice stuck to the window about a $180,000 fine, leaving Tao shocked and confused. He questioned the drastic increase from the initial thousands to hundreds of thousands in fines and suspected fraud.
City Crackdown on Short-Term Rentals
The Las Vegas City Council, amid growing concerns from residents about short-term rentals bringing parties, prostitution, and disturbances into their neighborhoods, has been enforcing strict regulations. These include barring out-of-state investors from owning Airbnbs since 2019. Despite Tao’s appeal to reconsider the massive fine, the council voted unanimously to uphold it. Tao, burdened by his mortgage and car payments, voiced his intention to continue fighting against what he views as an unjust and financially crippling fine.
