Residents and a short-term rental operator urge protections as condos convert to rentals

At a City Council meeting in Atlanta, public commenters described competing experiences with short-term rentals. An unnamed short-term rental operator said they have operated licensed STR properties for almost three years without violations and that STRs provide a service to the community. Nicky Biggs, a Landmark Condominium resident, said investors using STRs have “taken over the building” and left longtime residents facing liens and foreclosures.

The short-term rental operator, who did not give a full name, told the panel, “I just wanna say I feel like it's a great thing for the community,” and said both of their properties are licensed and “we've never had any type of violation.” The moderator interrupted once to request the speaker avoid referencing a council district by name.

Nicky Biggs said the situation at Landmark Condominium has persisted for years and described financial and housing losses for residents. “We have people that have lost their homes because of this,” Biggs said, adding later, “It's profit over lives. It's money over lives.” Biggs said seniors and long-term homeowners face liens and foreclosures and that the problem has continued for about four to five years.

Speakers framed the dispute as a clash between homeowner protections and investor activity. The transcript does not record any formal action, referral or vote by the council on short-term rental policy at this meeting; comments occurred during the public-comment portion of the session. The meeting moderator reminded commenters they may not speak about items that have been or will be heard by the Zoning Review Board, and that sufficiently broad personal experience may be allowed at the attorney’s discretion.

No specific policy changes, council directives or formal proposals tied to the Landmark Condominium complaints were recorded in the transcript.