Despite not being allowed in city, Rio Rancho ranks No. 6 for cleanest Airbnbs

RIO RANCHO — Rio Rancho has made it toward the top of another national ranking, this time as one of the cities with the cleanest Airbnbs.

Travel site Miss Tourist ranks Rio Rancho as No. 6 on the list, tied with Portland, Oregon, with a score of 4.939 (out of 5). The top spot goes to Colorado Springs, Colorado, which received a score of 4.956.

The study looked at the three most populated cities and capitals in each state, filtered by the 100 most reviewed properties in each. Data was taken from a total of 175 cities.

“Cleanliness is a key factor for Airbnb guests, and our study shines a light on the U.S. cities that are leading the way in providing exceptional, spotless experiences,” said Ulia Saf, founder of Miss Tourist. “These cities are setting the bar high, ensuring that travelers can enjoy their stays with confidence and comfort.”

Additionally, Rio Rancho’s scores included a rating of 4.903 for location, 4.982 for communication and 4.911 for overall value.

Ironically, according to a recently adopted city ordinance, short-term rentals such as Airbnbs aren’t permitted in the City of Vision.

“While existing Municipal Code does not specifically define or address short-term rentals, such rentals are not currently permitted to operate in the City, as they create a commercial use of a residentially zoned property in violation of the City’s permissive zoning uses,” Ordinance 22 states. “Because the status of short-term rentals is not explicitly defined in the Municipal Code, adherence and enforcement are challenging and short-term rentals continue to operate within the city.”

The passage of the second reading of Ordinance 22 Oct. 10 will change that, though it doesn’t go into effect until July 1.

The ordinance states that “a permit will be required to operate, rent, offer to rent, or advertise a short-term rental within the City.” Permits will be limited to two permits per person and will be capped annually at 1% of total housing units in the city, or, using current Census data, 402 units. Units can also only be rented once within a seven-day period.

In addition, the city will collect a $100 application fee and annual $300 permit fee as well as gross receipts tax and lodger’s tax “to aid in administration and enforcement.” Those found in violation of the code could be fined up to $500 per day for non-compliance, and continuation of non-compliance could result in the permit being revoked.

In order to manage the permitting and other business matters in relation to the new ordinance, the city is adding two new positions at an estimated salary of $104,000 annually. The city also anticipates the annual cost of a third-party vendor to be $35,000.

While it is unknown how much annual revenue will be generated, the ordinance states, “If approximately 150 of the 300 properties currently engaged in this type of activity come into compliance, the estimated revenue generated would be $208,000. The majority of that revenue would stem from Lodger’s Tax, which has limitations on its use pursuant to state law.”

The city indicated the first reading of adjustments to Ordinance 22 will under consideration at the Jan. 23 meeting.

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