Indiana may change policy on short term rentals for homes

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Your house, your rules, right?

Maybe not.

Some areas in the country, including here in Indiana, may not allow you to rent out your home, through sites like Airbnb and Rent Like a Champion. 

It's a very controversial decision, and it's one Indiana may change. 

"People can rent for the whole weekend. We leave Friday through Sunday. So we prep the house, get the beds ready, give them linens and towels," explains Amanda Harris.

Harris is one of the many in South Bend who opt to open their homes to people who need a place to stay.

The most popular time? Notre Dame football season.

"We've done all of our rentals for football weekends," she says. 

Airbnb and Rent Like A Champion are two very popular short term rental websites in the Michiana area.

But some areas in the Hoosier state, like in Carmel, are beginning to ban it. 

"They're somewhat controversial because certain neighborhoods don't like the idea of the house across the street being rented out by a group of strangers for the weekend," explains Indiana Represenative Timothy Wesco. 

And the problem isn't just in Indiana.

"There is a trend nationwide," he says. "A number of local governments have had people complain about short term rentals and so they just try to pass a blanket ban."

Indiana could change that.

House Bill 1035 passed in the Indiana House.

It would ensure Hoosiers could do whatever they want with their homes. 

"It basically says you cannot disallow or ban short term rentals in your community," says Rep. Wesco.

It's an issue that he feels strongly about.

"Your home is your private property. If you choose to rent out your private property for a few days, you should have the fundamental right to do that," he adds. 

But there may be some rules and stipulations attached to that.

Like a potential $150 permit fee, permit registration, and more.

But still, there's now some sense of relief for hosts like Harris. 

"I don't think it would be the worst thing, but it would obviously be a little inconvenient," she says. "I just hope they won't try to regulate too much."