First, thank you to everyone who has signed and shared this petition. Your support is making an impact.
At last night’s Town Council meeting, we heard a passionate group speak in favor of a moratorium on short-term rentals. While we respect their passion, we must be clear: responsible management companies are already addressing the very issues being raised. What stood out most was that many more spoke in opposition to a moratorium — a clear sign of strong support for property rights, responsible management, and the businesses that make Hilton Head thrive.
We also want to clarify: we know that a moratorium is not an outright ban or removal of short-term rentals. But we also know the harm that even the idea of a moratorium can cause — uncertainty for property owners, hesitation for potential buyers, and instability for local businesses who depend on steady tourism. Just the word itself creates fear and unintended consequences; it already has.
Responsible management is working.
Out of more than 7,000 permitted STRs on Hilton Head, the Town’s own data shows just 147 verified complaints year-to-date — an extremely low percentage. At Host & Home, our average response time for after-hours issues is under 15 minutes — not just answering the phone, but physically showing up. The property managers who spoke last night - my colleagues, share the same policies and procedures we do — high standards, quick response times, strong accountability, and a passion for their jobs and guest experience. Together, we are showing that professional management solves the very concerns being raised.
I want to thank the group of property managers who spoke passionately about our industry, as well as the Realtors and the HHAR who showed up in force to support our community.
Public sentiment and leadership.
The overwhelming majority of residents, visitors, and businesses recognize that STRs are essential to Hilton Head. Even the Mayor said it plainly: “Our industry is tourism, hospitality, and real estate.” Short-term rentals are central to that lifeblood.
Regulations.
We welcome common-sense regulations that protect both owners and the community. Fire inspections? Absolutely. Standards of care? We’re already there. What we oppose is government overreach that punishes responsible owners and managers while doing nothing to address real problems.
We also want to be clear about this.
We agree wholeheartedly that Hilton Head should not be overdeveloped, that clear-cutting of trees is harmful, and that housing density should be carefully controlled. We live here too. These issues should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we believe this Council has learned from the mistakes of past councils. Like you, we want to preserve what makes Hilton Head home and special.
Owners and investors have diverse motivations and needs — whether it’s personal use, long-term portfolio strategy, or tax planning. Complex but important considerations like 1031 Exchanges, Cost Segregation studies, and depreciation schedules must be factored into this conversation. These realities of ownership deserve a voice at the table.
But that cannot mean using words like moratorium or enacting blanket regulations that punish responsible owners, guests, and businesses — directly or indirectly. History has shown that overreaching policies come with serious unintended consequences.
The Bottom Line:
A moratorium appears to be losing traction, but the discussion is shifting toward amendments to the town’s land management ordinance. We will continue to fight for balance and fairness. A small, vocal minority should not dictate policies that impact thousands of families, property values, and the businesses that make Hilton Head thrive.
Please continue to share and sign the petition — every signature strengthens our position:
👉 https://c.org/nxCGBTr24n
Thank you for standing with us. Together, we are protecting the future of Hilton Head.