By BRENDA JOSEPHSON
The Anchorage Assembly held public hearings on two ordinances to advance its housing agenda at its regular meeting on September 23rd.
One of the ordinances would advance a charter amendment to authorize a tax short-term rentals that would require a public vote.
The other proposed ordinance provides tenant protections by requiring landlords to provide relocation assistance to tenants if their housing is deemed unfit for human habitation.
Ordinance No. AO 2025-97 proposes submitting a ballot proposition to amend the Home Rule Charter of the Municipality of Anchorage. This amendment would authorize a tax on short-term rental transactions, such as those on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO. The ordinance includes the ballot language and procedural steps for voter approval. It is sponsored by Assembly Member Daniel Volland and Assembly Chair Chris Constant.
Ordinance No. AO 2025-93 amends Anchorage Municipal Code Chapters 15.05 and 15.10 to require residential rental property owners to provide tenants with financial relocation assistance—equal to two months’ rent plus any deposit and prepaid rent—within seven days of issuing a notice to vacate due to the dwelling being unfit for human habitation.
The ordinance also adds Section 8.30.200 to Title 8, classifying failure to comply with enforcement orders, notices to vacate, or relocation assistance requirements as class B misdemeanors, with civil penalties up to $2,000 per offense and daily fines up to $500. Exceptions apply for violations caused by tenant actions, natural disasters, or eminent domain. If owners fail to provide assistance, the municipality may advance funds to tenants and recover costs through penalties. This ordinance is sponsored by Assembly Members Zac Johnson and Erin Baldwin.
Both ordinances will be back for discussion on October 21.
For more information click on the link below for the September 23rd meeting packet: