Delgado: Proposed short-term rental bills would stifle hardworking business owners

Arizona lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow cities to restrict or even outlaw vacation rentals. Some would like to increase taxes and regulations on these properties --- placing the livelihoods of Arizona families like mine at risk.”

Jia-li Delgado, founder and owner of Palacio Properties and Scottsdale resident

I’m a Scottsdale resident, single mom of two beautiful children and the owner of Palacio Properties --- a firm that manages vacation rental homes in the Scottsdale area.

My job allows me to do what I love most: meet people from all over the world, be my own boss and spend time with my family.

But it wasn’t that long ago when I worried how I would make ends meet.

I had been a high-powered executive in the mortgage industry, serving as vice president for a prominent asset management firm based in Scottsdale. When the company went out of business, I felt totally alone with a family to support and no income. Job opportunities were few. It was fear like I’d never felt before.

I then remembered a family trip in which we stayed in a vacation rental. It was just the inspiration I needed. I peppered the rental host with questions, learned everything I could about hosting, and decided I would launch my own business operating vacation rentals: Palacio Properties.

That was just a few short years ago. Now, it’s hard for me to believe that my business --- and my family’s financial security --- is once again in danger.

Arizona lawmakers are considering legislation that would allow cities to restrict or even outlaw vacation rentals. Some would like to increase taxes and regulations on these properties --- placing the livelihoods of Arizona families like mine at risk.

Know this: the vast majority of vacation rental hosts and managers are good people just trying to do right by our families, our neighbors and our communities.

Take Palacio Properties. My guest-vetting process is stringent, and good neighbor policies are non-negotiable: background checks, social media activity tracking, mandatory quiet hours, occupancy limits, and stiff fines or immediate cancellation for violations --- all monitored by Ring and noise-monitoring devices. In fact, the only complaint we’ve ever received was from a guest we kicked out for attempting to have a party.

The point is, I take my job seriously and I play by the rules. If there are nuisance properties, Scottsdale and other city officials should enforce laws already in place regarding noise, parking, parties and related issues.

Crack down on the bad actors, and report these properties to Airbnb and Vrbo so they can be removed from the platforms. But current legislation --- specifically, SB 1554 and SB 1490 --- would hurt the vast majority of us who are just trying to earn an honest living and support our families.

I don’t know where I would be today if I hadn’t taken that leap of faith to start Palacio Properties in 2017. My business means so much: a steady income, a roof over our heads, food on the table, presents on Christmas.

Most of all, I have peace of mind knowing this business is something that can grow and thrive with my family. This is our American Dream.

For the sake of families like mine, I ask that lawmakers --- particularly our Scottsdale-area Reps. John Kavanagh and Jay Lawrence, and Sen. Michelle Ugenti-Rita --- please oppose SB 1554 and SB 1490.

Editor’s Note: Jia-li Delgado is the founder and owner of Palacio Properties, a local company that manages vacation rentals. She lives in Scottsdale.