Westfield mandates $150 permit for short-term rentals in 2027

Westfield, Indiana, will require owners of short-term rental properties to register with the city and purchase a permit beginning in 2027. The Westfield City Council approved the new ordinances on Tuesday to standardize oversight of homes listed on platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo. Each property will incur a one-time registration fee of $150, with permits requiring annual renewal.

The move follows a series of incidents that prompted local officials to tighten regulations. Earlier in 2026, the Westfield Police Department arrested two individuals on suspicion of operating a prostitution ring inside a short-term rental. These events contributed to the council's decision to formalize the process for monitoring these properties.

Under the new rules, owners must submit specific data to the city. This includes the owner's contact information, the name of the advertising platform, and a designated emergency contact. The city will share these details with local police and fire departments to streamline responses during emergencies.

Council President Patrick Tamm stated the measures are designed to protect public health and safety. He noted that issues are most common with owners who reside outside the immediate area. "It's a consistent issue for our neighbors and our residents, and it's a consistent issue for our public safety," Tamm said. He added that problems are rare with local residents but frequent with corporate or out-of-state owners.

The ordinance establishes a three-strike system for enforcement. If a property receives three citations for violations such as noise or parking issues within a single year, the city can revoke its permit. The rules also prohibit using short-term rentals for illegal activities, including housing sex offenders or selling illegal drugs.