KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) A recent City of Keene survey found residents largely split on the role of short-term rentals in the community, with many expressing concerns about housing affordability and neighborhood impacts while others highlighted benefits to tourism, local businesses and property owners.

The online survey, conducted through FlashVote, drew 301 responses and was designed to gauge public opinion as city officials continue discussions about the growth of short-term rentals, commonly listed through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO.

Nearly half of respondents said they were unsure whether short-term rental properties existed in their neighborhoods. Of those who did have knowledge or suspicions, 44 respondents said they knew at least one short-term rental operated nearby, while 41 suspected one existed. Sixty-four residents said they knew there were no short-term rentals in their neighborhoods, and two respondents reported using their own properties as short-term rentals.

When asked about neighborhood impacts experienced during the past year, about half of respondents reported no issues at all. Among those who did identify concerns, excessive dog barking, trash accumulation, parking problems and loud gatherings were among the most frequently cited complaints. Forty-six respondents reported excessive barking, 42 cited trash piled in yards, and 41 pointed to vehicles parked along roads or blocking access.

The survey also explored what residents see as potential advantages of short-term rentals. The most commonly selected benefit was support for local businesses, with 115 respondents saying increased visitor spending was important. Other frequently cited benefits included lodging options for visitors with pets or large families, improved affordability for homeowners, and lower-cost accommodations for travelers.

Public opinion appeared strongest around accountability measures. More than half of respondents — 151 people — said they would support requiring short-term rentals to post local owner or property manager contact information inside rental units. Only eight respondents opposed such a requirement.

Residents were also asked broader questions about the role of short-term rentals in Keene. While 105 respondents said they do not view short-term rentals as a significant problem in the city, 47 characterized them as a minor problem and 25 called them a major problem. Another 106 respondents said they generally support short-term rentals as long as nuisance issues affecting neighbors are addressed and existing regulations are enforced.

Many written comments focused less on noise and neighborhood disturbances and more on housing availability.

Several respondents argued that converting homes and apartments into short-term rentals removes desperately needed housing from the long-term market and contributes to rising rents and home prices. Some called for stricter regulations, licensing requirements, higher taxes on non-owner-occupied rentals, or limits on the number of short-term rental properties a single owner can operate.

“We need affordable housing in Keene,” one resident wrote. “STRs drive up pricing.”

Others expressed concern about out-of-state investors purchasing properties specifically for short-term rental use, warning that such trends have transformed neighborhoods in larger tourist destinations and could reduce housing opportunities for local residents.

At the same time, many respondents said they believe short-term rentals play an important role in attracting visitors and supporting the local economy.

Some residents noted that short-term rentals provide flexible accommodations for families, pet owners and visitors seeking alternatives to traditional hotels. Others argued that Keene has not experienced the scale of short-term rental growth seen in larger tourism markets and cautioned against creating regulations for what they view as a limited local issue.

A recurring theme among comments from both supporters and critics was the need for balance. Numerous respondents said owner-occupied rentals or occasional home-sharing arrangements should be treated differently than investment properties used exclusively as short-term rentals.

Others suggested the city focus on enforcing existing nuisance, parking and property maintenance ordinances before adopting new regulations.

The survey results come as communities across New Hampshire and the nation continue debating how to balance tourism, property rights and housing affordability as short-term rentals become increasingly common.

City officials have not announced any specific policy proposals tied to the survey, but the feedback provides a snapshot of residents’ views as conversations about housing and neighborhood development continue.

Excerpt: A City of Keene survey found residents divided on short-term rentals, with housing affordability emerging as the most common concern alongside support for tourism and local businesses.

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Photo Caption: Responses from more than 300 Keene residents revealed mixed opinions on short-term rentals, with many supporting stronger oversight while others highlighted economic benefits and visitor accommodations.