CC&R Vote: Preserving Our Community: Why a 30-Day Minimum Lease Term Protects Sunset Mesa

Maintaining the quiet, residential character of Sunset Mesa is a priority for most of our neighbors. Last year, when the Board conducted a community-wide poll, the proposal to prohibit short-term rentals was overwhelmingly popular. We believe that by proposing this amendment (see below for actual wording), we are directly responding to the clear desires of our homeowners to keep our neighborhood a place for residents rather than a rotating series of vacation rentals. The intent of this change is to ensure that Sunset Mesa maintains its owner-occupied feel and to limit the high turnover that naturally comes with short-term stays. This amendment would require all leases to be for a minimum of thirty days, effectively prohibiting the use of platforms like Airbnb or VRBO for stays of just a few days.

One of the primary concerns shared by residents is the constant disruption of seeing carloads of strangers loading and unloading suitcases in our quiet streets. Beyond the traffic and aesthetic impact, short-term renters are statistically far more likely to host loud parties and gatherings than long-term residents or owners. Even when a property owner intends to be responsive to complaints, it can take several hours for a noise issue to be addressed by an absentee neighbor who isn't on-site to supervise their guests. This delay often means that by the time a situation is resolved, the peace of the neighborhood has already been shattered for the night. By establishing a thirty-day minimum, we ensure that those living in our homes have a greater stake in the community and are more likely to respect their neighbors.

Our proximity to Malibu and the coast makes Sunset Mesa an incredibly attractive destination for visitors looking to party in Los Angeles. While we appreciate the beauty of our area, there are plenty of hotels and condos elsewhere to host bachelor parties, bachelorette groups, and large vacation gatherings. Our neighborhood should remain a peaceful sanctuary for those who call it home. Many of the neighborhoods around Sunset Mesa already have similar restrictions in place, and if we are one of the few areas still allowing short term rentals, we run the risk of attracting even more of this activity.

It is important to note that this amendment does not take away your right to lease your property; owners will still be fully entitled to rent their homes for any period longer than thirty days. This balanced approach protects your property rights while ensuring that Sunset Mesa remains the tranquil, high-value residential community we all moved here to enjoy

 The Board proposes adding the following new section (u) to the CC&Rs:

(u) Minimum Lease Term: No lease or rental of a lot or residence/dwelling shall be permitted to be for a term of a less than thirty (30) days. An owner shall only be permitted to rent their lot or residence/dwelling pursuant to a lease that is: (i) in writing; (ii) for a term of at least thirty (30) days; and (iii) subject in all respects to the Association’s governing documents, including, but not limited to, this Declaration.