Miami Beach Tries to Curb ‘Party House' Rentals

City officials are trying to curb "party homes" by making it a violation of city code to advertise short-term home rentals.
 
The proposal passed a preliminary vote at Wednesday's city commission meeting. The regulations would have to be approved in a second vote before taking effect.
 
The Miami Herald reports the city is trying to make it easier to make violations stick when someone rents a home short-term. The city prohibits rentals of less than six months and one day.
 
But promoters continue to offer up luxurious home for loud parties. Commissioner Ed Tobin says some rentals boast of the availability of drugs and prostitutes.
 
Commissioners acknowledged that rentals can be so lucrative that the fines of up to $20,000 are not a deterrent.