Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Sandy Utah.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Sandy, Utah for 2024

Permit and Licensing Requirements

• To operate a short-term rental, hosts must obtain a permit and license from the city, as mandated by Sandy Ordinance 18-23.
• A one-time $100 fee is required for the short term rental permit application.

Owner-Occupancy

• The property must be owner-occupied as the primary residence for at least 183 days out of the year.

Rental Duration

• Stays are capped at 29 consecutive days; no exceptions are allowed even with rebooking.

Occupancy Limits

• Maximum of 2 adults per bedroom, plus up to 2 additional adults. For example, a 3-bedroom home allows a total of 8 adults.

Response Time Requirements

• Complaints must be responded to within 1 hour by the owner or designated manager.

Use Restrictions

• Short-term rentals cannot be used for social events or commercial purposes.
• Activities disturbing the peace and quiet are prohibited.

Safety and Compliance

• Hosts must pass inspections and provide documents such as detailed floor plans, certificate of insurance, and parking layouts.

Taxation

• Hosts must remit transient room taxes quarterly.

Enforcement

• Violations of the regulations can result in fines, permit revocation, and even criminal charges. The city strictly enforces these rules but works cooperatively with responsible hosts.

Additional Requirements

• Hosts must post city rules and regulations prominently inside the house and ensure compliance with all city regulations.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Sandy, Utah

Neighborhoods and Their Appeal

While specific neighborhood-level revenue data for Sandy, UT, is not provided in the sources, we can infer the most lucrative areas based on general trends and popular amenities.

Midvalley

• High Demand: With over 500 vacation rentals, Midvalley is one of the most frequently booked neighborhoods in Sandy.
• Amenities: Close proximity to restaurants, shopping, and entertainment venues makes it appealing for guests.

Edgemont

• High Availability: Over 1,260 vacation rentals are available in Edgemont, indicating a high demand and potential for revenue.
• Family-Friendly: Many rentals in this area are family-friendly, which attracts a broader range of guests.

Draperville

• Central Location: Draperville, with over 400 vacation rentals, offers a central location that is convenient for guests looking to explore Sandy and its surroundings.
• Variety of Rentals: This area likely offers a mix of houses, apartments, and townhomes, catering to different guest preferences.

Crescent

• Popular Amenities: Crescent, with over 400 vacation rentals, likely features popular amenities such as self-check-in, BBQ areas, and dedicated workspaces, which are highly sought after by guests.
• Safe and Comfortable: The area is known for its safe and well-lit neighborhoods, making it an attractive choice for families and business travelers.

Why These Neighborhoods Are Appealing

• Proximity to Attractions: Sandy's neighborhoods are close to ski resorts like Snowbird, Brighton, Solitude, and Alta, as well as hiking and biking trails, making them ideal for outdoor enthusiasts.
• Amenities and Services: Many rentals offer amenities such as WiFi, BBQ areas, gyms, and dedicated workspaces, which enhance the guest experience.
• Family-Friendly and Pet-Friendly Options: A significant number of rentals are family-friendly and pet-friendly, catering to a wide range of guest needs.
• High Occupancy Rates: Sandy's vacation rentals have an average occupancy rate of 61%, indicating consistent demand and potential for steady revenue.

These factors combined make Midvalley, Edgemont, Draperville, and Crescent appealing neighborhoods for both guests and investors looking to maximize Airbnb revenue in Sandy, Utah.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Sandy, Utah

Understanding the Local Style and Amenities

• Reflect the Natural Beauty: Incorporate rustic and farmhouse-inspired designs that highlight the region's natural beauty, using warm wood tones and natural materials to create a comfortable vibe.
• Outdoor Spaces: Emphasize outdoor spaces, as guests often seek to enjoy the scenic views and fresh air. This can include private decks, backyards, or access to nearby outdoor activities.

Key Amenities and Features

• Proximity to Attractions: Ensure your Airbnb is close to local attractions such as ski resorts, hiking trails, and cultural events to enhance guest convenience.
• Fully Equipped Kitchens: Provide fully equipped kitchens to facilitate home-cooked meals, which is a highly sought-after feature.
• Cozy Fireplaces and Hot Tubs: Include amenities like fireplaces and hot tubs to offer relaxation options, especially appealing during winter months.

Furniture and Decor Choices

• Statement Pieces: Invest in high-quality, statement pieces such as couches, coffee tables, and dining room tables that define the space. These can be more expensive but are worth the investment.
• Contemporary and Vintage Accents: Combine contemporary elements with vintage accents to create an inviting and unique space that appeals to a wide range of travelers.
• Local Art and Craftsmanship: Incorporate local art or craftsmanship into the decor to enhance aesthetic value and connect guests with local culture.

Budget and Design Strategy

• Budget Wisely: Allocate your budget effectively by choosing which rooms to splurge on, such as the living room, and making compromises on less critical areas.
• Cost per Square Foot: Plan to spend between $7 to $15 per square foot for furnishing, depending on the level of quality and design you aim for.

Maintenance and Guest Satisfaction

• High Standards of Cleanliness: Maintain high standards of cleanliness to ensure positive reviews and repeat bookings. This includes crisp and clean bedding, well-maintained furnishings, and a clean overall environment.
• Guest Communication: Ensure good communication with guests, providing clear instructions and amenities that meet their expectations.

Compliance and Regulations

• Local Regulations: Comply with Sandy, Utah's regulations, including obtaining a business license, registering with the city, and adhering to occupancy limits, noise restrictions, and safety requirements.
• Lodging Taxes: Collect and remit applicable lodging taxes to the city to avoid any legal issues.

Discovering Sandy, Utah: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Attractions

Performing Arts and Entertainment

• Sandy Amphitheater: Enjoy outdoor concerts and events with stunning mountain views.
• Hale Centre Theatre: Experience renowned theater performances in a state-of-the-art venue.
• Jordan Commons and Union Heights: Explore these urban hubs for movies, restaurants, and entertainment.

Sports and Venues

• America First Field (Rio Tinto Stadium): Catch a Real Salt Lake or Utah Royals FC soccer game at this 20,000-seat stadium.
• Real Soccer Stadium: Another venue for soccer enthusiasts.

Shopping and Dining

• The Shops at South Town: A mall with 121 stores, plus unique attractions like Dreamscapes for hands-on art experiences.
• Scheels: A massive sporting store with an amusement park featuring a Ferris wheel, mini bowling, and sport simulators.
• Tin Roof Grill: Savor handcrafted cheesecake and other dishes featured on “Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives”.
• Tiburon Fine Dining: Enjoy specialty entrees and homemade sorbet.
• Royal India: Delight in curries, lamb korma, and traditional Indian cuisine.

Museums and History

• Sandy Museum: Explore the history of Sandy with two floors of displays, a gift shop, and an exhibition shed.

Outdoor Activities

• Dimple Dell: Discover horse and walking trails in this scenic area.
• Mountain Trails: Only 20 minutes away from hiking, mountain biking, and mountain scenery.

Conventions and Events

• Mountain America Expo Center: A versatile venue hosting large consumer shows, expos, conferences, and more, with ample parking and a TRAX light rail stop nearby.

Insider Tips

Local Favorites

• Dining Hubs: Check out the dining options around 11400 South and I-15, as well as 700 East for a variety of tasty and healthy choices.

Getting Around

• TRAX Light Rail: Conveniently located near key attractions like the Mountain America Expo Center and Sandy Civic Center.

Development and Future Plans

• The Cairns Project: Learn about the ongoing redevelopment of Sandy's downtown area, which includes new trails, high-rise buildings, and renovated shopping areas.

Seasonal Activities

• Ski Resorts: Sandy is close to several ski resorts, making it an ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts.

By sharing these attractions and tips, you can help your guests make the most of their visit to Sandy, Utah.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short Term Rental Business in Sandy, Utah

To run a successful short term rental business in Sandy, Utah, several practical tips can help you navigate the city's regulations and enhance the guest experience.

Noise Regulations and Guest Communication

Ensure compliance with Sandy's noise regulations by informing guests about quiet hours through clear communication in your listing and in a digital or physical house manual. This manual should also include other essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords and emergency contact information.

Comprehensive House Manual

Create a detailed house manual that includes both digital and physical versions. This manual should cover all aspects of the property, including appliance instructions, safety procedures, and local recommendations for dining and activities.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with detailed instructions on how to access the property, along with photos of the lock and any other relevant entry points.

Parking Instructions

Include parking instructions with photos in your house manual to help guests understand where and how to park. This can prevent confusion and potential issues with neighbors, especially in areas with limited parking.

By following these tips, you can ensure your short term rental business in Sandy, Utah, operates smoothly, adheres to local regulations, and provides a positive experience for your guests. This will help you maintain a good reputation and maximize your rental income.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Sandy, Utah:

House Cleaning Services in Sandy, Utah

Lily’s House Cleaning

• Offers weekly, bi-weekly, and monthly house cleaning services
• Specializes in post-construction, moving in/out, spring cleaning, and after-party cleaning
• Fully insured and background-checked staff.

Sandy House Cleaning Services

• Provides premium cleaning services including deep cleaning, move-in/out cleaning, and recurring maid services
• Serves Sandy and surrounding areas such as Cottonwood Heights, Midvale, West Jordan, and more.

Daisy Maids

• Offers house cleaning and maid services using environmentally friendly products
• Specializes in residential, new construction, and commercial cleaning, including custom packages.

2 Local Gals Housekeeping

• Provides cleaning services for homes and offices, including deep cleaning, organization, and specific room cleaning
• Offers flexible scheduling and additional services like home organizing and office cleaning.

These services do not include repair or maintenance providers, as the sources primarily focus on cleaning services.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Sandy, Utah: A Comprehensive Guide

In Sandy, Utah, managing short-term rentals, such as those listed on Airbnb or VRBO, involves a range of fees that can vary significantly based on the level of service provided. Typically, management fees for short-term rentals range from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services like guest communication, marketing, pricing optimization, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at around 20% of revenue.

Basic services, which might include only the essential tasks such as booking management and guest screening, may incur lower fees, potentially starting at around 10%. Additionally, hosts may need to account for other fees, such as cleaning fees, repair costs, and potentially design or marketing fees, which can be billed separately or included in the overall management fee structure. Understanding these fees is crucial for hosts to ensure compliance with local regulations and to maximize their rental income effectively.