In a comprehensive report released in May 2025, the Orange County Grand Jury shed light on the escalating impact of short-term rentals (STRs) in the region, particularly in Fullerton. Defined as rentals of homes or apartments for less than 30 days, STRs have ignited intense discussions among residents and city officials, revealing a split in community sentiment.
The Grand Jury report highlights a dichotomy in opinions: while many residents express concerns about STRs threatening their quality of life and straining city resources—especially in terms of code enforcement—data shows no substantial increase in complaints from cities experiencing a surge in STRs. The report points to successful strategies adopted by some municipalities that have managed to address the challenges posed by STRs, offering lessons for others facing similar issues.
One notable finding is the ineffectiveness of outright bans on STRs, described as a frustrating game of “whack-a-mole,” where cities shutting down unpermitted rentals find new ones emerging. The report criticized a prevailing leniency in enforcement across various cities, with many failing to pursue fines or properly collect the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT), relying instead on the “honor system” for compliance…