Opinion: Protecting Families by Limiting Short-Term Rentals and Corporate Home Ownership

At an Orem city council session, the author observed overwhelming resistance to legalizing short-term rentals, with concerns ranging from neighborhood turnover to noise disturbances. The commentary connects this local dispute to a national affordability problem, noting that housing prices have jumped dramatically since the COVID-19 pandemic began, fueled by strong demand and cash-rich investors who can outbid ordinary buyers.

The recently enacted 21st Century Road to Housing Act aims to curb corporate dominance by restricting ownership to 350 houses and accelerating construction approvals. Drawing on John Locke’s ideas about responsible property use, the author argues that excessive accumulation harms community stewardship. While private-equity firms own a small share of single-family rentals, the piece suggests that multiple-property ownership can lead to neglect and lower quality. The author calls on Utah officials and Orem voters to support measures that keep homes accessible to families, preserving the traditional American ideal of homeownership.