Ginger George, Hot Springs Village POA Contracts and Development Supervisor, updated the Board of Directors on Rental Registrations on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. The Rental Registration Program was implemented on January 1, 2024, with a deadline of March 31.
George said that 475 rental properties were registered as of April 12. The map below shows where most of the registered properties are located. The properties are scattered throughout the Village.
George said, “I have researched to see how many [rental] properties we have in the Village, and at best, it is a guess. But based on online research and speaking with local real estate agents, it appears there are between 500 to 700.”
George feels the program has been successful but continues to work on increasing registration.
Feedback from local rental agents and Property Owners has predominantly been positive. “They are excited that we are getting this information. The program makes Property Owners feel safer, and it helps the rental agents do their jobs more effectively.” The Property Managers are contacted if there is an issue and can do what they were hired to do – take care of any problems.
Phase Two
Ginger said they will continue outreach with flyers, the Village Digest and local media platforms and by emails and phone calls.
“We are also going to start looking online, cross-referencing the ones that are advertised online, and seeing if they have complied with the new Rental Registration,” stated George.
George will also collaborate with local law enforcement and Community Support, which have been essential in advising George of rental properties that should be registered.
Community involvement is encouraged. “We want the community to reach out to us. If you know of rental property you think isn’t registered, let us know.”
The final part of Phase Two is fine enforcement. “Now that the deadline has passed, we will start issuing fines of $150 per our governing documents and $25 per day until the property is registered. This is the same as we have for permits.”
In Conclusion
George feels they “have made significant strides; however, we will maintain to achieve full compliance.” George said there has been a lot of collaboration with Member Services, IT, Properties, Community Support, and the Board of Directors. The Board’s work made it easier to start the program.
“It has been a solid program from the beginning,” stated George.
General Manager Kelly Hale Explains Why There is a Need for the Rental Registration Program
During the meeting, General Manager Kelly Hale addressed the rental situation. Hale said, “When I talk about our community, I look at this here: drugs, marijuana, cocaine, fentanyl, unregistered sex offenders, breaking and entering, assault, domestic abuse, carjacking, a deserter from the U.S. Army that has filed terroristic threats against his superior officers. That sounds like Pine Bluff, doesn’t it?”
“These are actual calls at rental homes. I haven’t said anything until now. We have to have help with these, and we have a very low-cost option, a permit fee.” They are not all on one side of the Village. They are scattered, nice, and even. We’re not here to scare you.”
“Just be aware of these things – what is going on out there. Those three people in the back of the room take good care of us.[Police Chief Kristi Bennett and officers were standing in the back.] Be aware. Be aware,” advised Hale.
Click here to read HSVPOA Now Requires Registration of Rentals.
By Cheryl Dowden; Images by Ginger George
Click here to contact the HSV Gazette.
Click here to join our private Hot Springs Village Property Owners Facebook group. Be sure to answer the entry questions.
Click here to visit the POA website – Explore the Village.
Registration for short term rental use should include proof of current commercial fire insurance because neither residential homeowners policies nor regular liability insurance covers damage related to short term rental use. This is especially necessary when a short term rental could burn down an adjoining home.