Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Juneau Alaska.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Juneau, Alaska for 2024

Registration Requirements

• Short-term rental operators must register their properties with the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) Sales Tax Office. Registration is free but mandatory.

Definition of Short-Term Rentals

• A short-term rental is defined as any residential rental property occupied for fewer than 30 consecutive days by the same occupant.

Tax Obligations

• Operators must collect and remit a 5% sales tax and an additional 9% hotel-room tax on the selling price of the rentals. It is the responsibility of the business owner to register their business with the CBJ Sales Tax Office and to collect, remit, and report these taxes.

Display of Registration Number

• All short-term rental listings must display the CBJ STR Registration number.

Compliance and Penalties

• Registration must be completed by October 8, 2023, to avoid penalties. The penalty for non-compliance is $25 per day that a listing is live without registering.

Business Licensing

• Operators must have an Alaska State Business License and register their business with the CBJ Sales Tax Office.

Data Collection and Regulatory Oversight

• The registration program aims to gather information about the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability in Juneau. This data will help in shaping potential restrictions or regulations.

Task Force for Further Regulation

• A task force has been approved to study further regulation of short-term rentals, including potential restrictions and community impacts. The task force will conduct public meetings and provide recommendations to the Assembly by March 2025.

Enforcement

• Enforcement of the registration requirement is carried out through letters sent to operators who are not registered. Operators who do not respond may face further action.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Juneau, Alaska

1. Douglas Island

• Appeal: Douglas Island is highly appealing due to its proximity to downtown Juneau, access to beautiful beaches, and scenic views. Rentals like the "1BR/1B Beach/Jacuzzi Tub/7 Mins From Downtown" and "Beach House Overlooking Downtown Juneau" offer amenities such as Jacuzzi bathtubs, creekside yards, and stunning views of Juneau, making them guest favorites.

2. Auke Bay

• Appeal: Auke Bay is attractive for its tranquil and picturesque setting. The "Alaska Northern Sands Suite" and "Modern Alaskan Apartment ~ Héen View ~" are popular choices, offering high-quality living, spectacular views, and easy access to local activities and sights. The area is also known for less rainfall compared to downtown Juneau.

3. Downtown Juneau

• Appeal: Downtown Juneau is a hub for convenience and cultural experiences. Rentals like the "Downtown Juneau Luxury Loft" and "An Artist's Home Away From Home" are favored for their walking distance to cafes, restaurants, shopping, and waterfront attractions. Guests appreciate the historic neighborhoods and easy access to hiking trails and cultural museums.

4. Calvary Court

• Appeal: Calvary Court is a newer subdivision that offers modern and clean accommodations. The "Calvary Place New Built 1BR/1BA Apt near Auke Lake" is highly rated for its comfort, separate entrance, and proximity to the airport, ferry terminal, and local attractions. This area is ideal for guests seeking a quiet and convenient stay.

5. Juneau Valley

• Appeal: The Juneau Valley area, including neighborhoods around Auke Lake, is appealing for its natural beauty and central location. Rentals such as "Pioneer Place Relaxing Space/ Amazing Views" offer beautiful views of Juneau and are close to the glacier, Auke Lake, and the harbor. Guests enjoy the mix of modern amenities and natural surroundings.

These neighborhoods are popular among Airbnb guests due to their unique blend of natural beauty, convenience, and access to various local activities and attractions.

Furnishing and Design Tips for an Inviting Airbnb in Juneau, Alaska

Defining Your Aesthetic

• Reflect Local Style: Incorporate elements that resonate with Juneau's natural beauty, such as rustic, cozy designs, natural woods, and warm color palettes. Use outdoor-themed art to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Choosing the Right Furniture

• Durable and Easy to Clean: Opt for furniture that is sturdy and easy to maintain. Consider sofas with washable covers and avoid real or faux leather. Choose beds with drawers for extra storage and mattresses that are at least 8 inches thick, preferably memory foam for durability.

Layout and Space Utilization

• Measure and Plan: Measure your rooms to determine the best layout. Ensure there is plenty of space to move around and avoid blocking natural light sources. Use space-saving furniture like sofa beds, folding tables, and ottomans with hidden storage.

Enhancing Guest Experience

• Essential Amenities: Equip your kitchen with essentials like a coffee maker, microwave, toaster, and kettle. Provide a hairdryer, basic toiletries, and a first-aid kit. Include high-quality, durable towels and enough storage for guests' personal items.

Accessibility and Comfort

• Accessibility Features: Consider adding features that make your Airbnb accessible to guests with disabilities, such as ramps, wide doorways, and grab bars in bathrooms.
• Comfortable Seating: Choose comfy, lightweight chairs that are easy to move around. Opt for darker chairs to hide stains better.

Decor and Ambiance

• Use Mirrors: Mirrors can make your space feel bigger and brighter. Place a full-length mirror in the bedroom and ensure there is a power socket nearby for hair dryers and straighteners.
• Add Plants: Incorporate plants to liven up the space and create a welcoming atmosphere.

Seasonal and Local Considerations

• Outdoor Spaces: Given Juneau's outdoor attractions, consider adding amenities like BBQ facilities, hot tubs, and spacious yards to enhance the guest experience.
• Local Events: Tailor your furnishings to cater to guests attending local events, such as fishing derbies and festivals, by providing amenities like kitchens for cooking fresh catches.

Budget and Maintenance

• Budget Wisely: Allocate your budget effectively by splurging on statement pieces like couches and dining tables while keeping other items budget-friendly. Consider the long-term cost of replacing items like sheets and towels.
• Off-Season Updates: Plan furniture updates during the off-season or short gaps between bookings to minimize disruption to your guests.

Theme Consistency

• Stick to Your Theme: Ensure that all furniture and decor align with your chosen theme to maintain a cohesive and inviting space.

Discover Juneau, Alaska: Top Attractions and Insider Tips

Top Attractions

Natural Wonders

• Mendenhall Glacier: A must-visit, this 3,000-year-old glacier offers easy walking trails and more challenging hikes. Don't miss the view from the visitor’s pavilion and the hike to Nugget Falls.
• Glacier Bay National Park: Explore glacier-draped fjords and scenic beauties of the Panhandle. This park is a great base for wilderness adventures.
• Tracy Arm Fjord: A 30-mile long fjord with mammoth glaciers, towering granite walls, and breathtaking mountains. Home to a variety of wildlife including bald eagles, brown bears, and whales.

Scenic Views and Outdoor Activities

• Goldbelt Tram (Mount Roberts Tramway): Ascend to 1,800 feet for panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel. Enjoy nature trails, a mountaintop observatory, and a live eagle display.
• Tongass National Forest: Part of the largest temperate rainforest in the United States, offering various wilderness trails for hiking.
• Whale Watching: Take a tour to see humpback whales, orcas, and other marine wildlife off the coast of Juneau.

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Alaska State Museum: Features over 25,000 historical objects, including Native Alaskan artifacts, gold rush memorabilia, and contemporary art.
• Juneau-Douglas City Museum: Exhibits on Tlingit culture, early gold-mining days, and the history of the Juneau-Douglas area. Guided walking tours available in the summer.
• Last Chance Mining Museum: Learn about Juneau's mining history and explore the remnants of the A.J. Mine.

Unique Experiences

• Treadwell Mine: Walk through the remains of the world's largest hard rock gold mine, located on Douglas Island. Explore forest trails and the local beach filled with historical artifacts.
• Macaulay Salmon Hatchery: Get hands-on experience and learn about salmon conservation and the fishing industry.
• Eaglecrest Ski Area: For winter enthusiasts, this ski area offers slopes for all skill levels.

Insider Tips

Transportation

• No Road Access: Juneau is not connected by road to the rest of Alaska or the contiguous United States. All goods and visitors must arrive by plane or boat.

Safety and Precautions

• Bear Safety: When hiking, especially around Mendenhall Glacier, carry bear spray, walk in groups, and be loud to avoid encounters with bears.

Local Culture

• Respect Indigenous Sites: Be mindful of sacred sites like Indian Point, which is important to the Auke and Taku tribes. Respect local traditions and artifacts.

Seasonal Activities

• Summer Tours: Take advantage of free tours of the Alaska State Capitol and guided walking tours in the historic downtown area during the summer months.
• Fishing and Wildlife Viewing: Juneau is renowned for its salmon fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities. Hire a professional guide for the best experience.

Additional Tips

• Visitor Information: Pick up a Downtown Walking Tour Map from Travel Juneau's visitor information sites to self-guide your exploration of historic Juneau.
• Weather and Gear: Be prepared for variable weather; pack layers and waterproof gear to make the most of your outdoor adventures.

By sharing these attractions and tips, you can help your guests have a memorable and enriching experience in Juneau, Alaska.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Juneau, Alaska

To ensure a smooth and successful short-term rental business in Juneau, Alaska, several practical tips can be implemented:

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a respectful environment for both your guests and the local community. Include this information in your house manual and initial communication to avoid any potential issues.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create both digital and physical house manuals that include essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This will help guests navigate your property easily and reduce the number of inquiries you receive.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide clear instructions on how to use the smart locks and ensure that guests have all the necessary access codes before their arrival.

Parking Instructions

Include detailed parking instructions with photos in your house manual to help guests find and use the designated parking areas. This can prevent confusion and potential parking violations, enhancing the overall guest experience.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce operational hassles, and ensure compliance with local regulations, making your short-term rental business in Juneau a success.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning services and other related providers in Juneau, Alaska:

House Cleaning Services

• Touched By Angels Cleaning Service: Offers professional carpet cleaning, business janitorial services, and residential housekeeping since 2008.
• Various Providers Listed on Angi: Includes top-rated house cleaners in Juneau, AK, with reviews and ratings.
• Providers Listed on Care.com: Features affordable house cleaning options starting at $18.50/hr, with listings by rates, reviews, and experience.

Note

For repair and maintenance services, the provided sources do not specifically list providers. However, you can check general service directories or local listings for such services in Juneau, AK.

Juneau, Alaska Short-Term Rental Management Fees: A Guide to Service Levels and Costs

In Juneau, Alaska, managing a short-term rental can involve a range of fees, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management companies, which handle comprehensive tasks such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, generally charge higher fees, often starting at 15% of the rental income and potentially going up to 30%.

On the other hand, basic services that may include only a subset of these tasks, such as cleaning and guest communication, can be less expensive, sometimes starting as low as 10%. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, or design enhancements, which are usually billed separately. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for property owners to maximize their rental income while ensuring their properties are well-managed and attractive to guests.