Legislators consider temporary business licenses to expand rental housing; agencies urge standards and oversight

A bill intended to increase Guam’s available rental housing by authorizing temporary business licenses for inspected residential units received general support June 11, but agency witnesses urged clearer standards and oversight.

Senator Sean Gumitatao introduced Bill 125‑38 COR, which would allow a residential unit—single‑family homes, apartments, or condominium units that meet inspection requirements established by a certified home inspector recognized by the government of Guam—to be issued a temporary, nonrenewable business license for up to one year so the owner may rent the unit while completing permanent licensing requirements.

The sponsor said the bill aims to expand housing inventory in the face of a reported shortfall. The sponsor referenced data provided to the committee: a Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority/industry estimate of demand for roughly 9,908 additional housing units and anecdotal rental…