Sandusky staff say Rentalscape software found dozens of unregistered short‑term rentals; some paid fines

During the Finance Committee's Nov. presentation, members discussed enforcement of short‑term rental registrations and related lodging tax revenues.

Speaker 7 told the committee that Craig Ward, the city's code compliance manager, has been using a software product called Rentalscape to compare advertised short‑term rental listings with the city's registration records. "As of yesterday he's found 24 properties that weren't in compliance and weren't registered; notices and violation have been sent out," the speaker said, adding that six properties had come into compliance and paid the required $500 registration fee plus a $500 penalty for failing to renew registration.

Michelle confirmed the lodging tax includes revenue from platforms such as VRBO and that Erie County collects the county and city portions of the lodging tax on the city's behalf. Michelle said the code‑enforcement activity and new software have already yielded additional registration revenue and that the city’s lodging tax through November was up by about $30,000 compared with the prior year.

Committee members urged staff to show year‑over‑year collections and compliance numbers in future reports so the public can see enforcement results. One member suggested including a footnote or supplemental line item showing revenue recovered from STR registration and penalties.

What happens next: staff said they will continue enforcement work, issue notices to noncompliant hosts, and incorporate reporting on collections into future financial updates as practicable.