Simi Valley Residents Demand Action Against Disruptive Short Term Rentals

The Simi Valley City Council meeting on August 5, 2025, focused heavily on the growing concerns surrounding short-term rental properties in the community. Residents voiced their frustrations about the negative impacts these rentals have on neighborhood stability, safety, and overall quality of life.

Several speakers, including longtime resident Joe Burns, highlighted the disturbances caused by short-term rentals, such as excessive noise, traffic congestion, and littering. Burns described instances of large gatherings leading to hundreds of cars in his neighborhood, which he said resulted in broken bottles and trash left behind by transient guests. He urged the council to take action to address these issues and restore the neighborhood's integrity.

James McGillis, another resident, expressed strong opposition to the proliferation of short-term rentals, arguing that they diminish the availability of long-term housing and disrupt community cohesion. He emphasized that the transient nature of short-term guests undermines relationships among neighbors and poses safety risks due to the influx of unfamiliar individuals.

Leonard Preddy, who lives next to a short-term rental, echoed these sentiments, stating that neighborhoods were designed for families and should not be transformed into transient lodging areas. He called for a complete ban on short-term rentals, asserting that existing hotels and motels could accommodate visitors without disrupting residential life.

The meeting also included a brief discussion on broader community issues, with a speaker from Moorpark College addressing the importance of unity and respect among residents, particularly in light of recent incidents of hate speech. This speaker emphasized the need for the community to stand against racism and promote harmony.

The council's response to the residents' concerns remains to be seen, but the discussions highlighted a significant push from the community for stricter regulations or outright bans on short-term rentals to protect the character and safety of Simi Valley neighborhoods.