Short-term Rentals and Disorder in a Cannabis Tourism Destination

Abstract

Short-term rentals (also referred to as “home sharing” or “vacation home rentals”) are a form of temporary housing in which units are leased to travelers for a limited time. Theories such as social disorganization and routine activities suggest possible connections between short-term rental presence and crime or disorder, and existing studies have confirmed that relationship under certain circumstances. However, there are unexplored questions about whether the findings hold true in places with novel demographic, cultural, or touristic features. The present study contributes to this literature by considering the relationship between short-term rentals and disorder across census block groups in a cannabis tourism destination (Denver, Colorado), while controlling for hotel presence, sporting venues, cannabis dispensaries, liquor establishments, and other socio-demographic features. The effects of short-term rental density varied by listing type (entire unit or private room) and were diminished by the inclusion of usage (guest reviews) in the models. Also considered are Denver regulations that may contribute to the limited effects of short-term rentals observed here, as are directions for new research.