Council orders hearing on short‑term rental enforcement, citing loopholes and repeat violators

Councilor Coletta Zapata filed a hearing order Wednesday demanding a council review of the city’s enforcement of the 2018 short‑term rental ordinance. Zapata told colleagues she and neighbors in East Boston and the North End repeatedly reported properties operating contrary to their permits — including listings advertised as entire homes despite owner occupancy limits and properties using a medical‑stay exemption that neighbors say resulted in constant turnover, noise and trash. She said Inspectional Services Department site visits and one‑time fines have too often failed to stop repeat violations. Councilors Durkin and Braden added that the ordinance is written to protect housing and neighborhood stability but is being exploited through loopholes; Durkin and others pressed for improved verification of medical‑stay exemptions and better interdepartmental tracking of complaints. Zapata said the hearing should examine how ISD, code enforcement, police and listing platforms coordinate and whether legislative or administrative reforms are needed. The docket (1634) was referred to the committee on housing and community development.