Short-Term Rentals: A Key Component of Nantucket’s Economy and Quality of Life

Jonathan Miles is a business owner on Nantucket who has been in operation since 1990. Over the years, he has gained insight into how the local economy functions and the unique challenges faced by businesses on the island. He recognizes that there is a strong connection between the quality of life and the challenges faced by businesses on Nantucket, and that short-term rentals play an important role in maintaining a good quality of life for residents.

As his business grew, Miles realized that providing housing for employees was essential to ensuring a reliable workforce that could return year after year. However, with many employees only spending four months on the island, finding year-round housing proved to be impractical. Short-term rentals became crucial in meeting their housing needs during the eight months when they were not using it themselves.

While utilizing short-term rentals during the off-season has not resulted in significant financial gains, it has been essential in sustaining operations and preserving local employment. Banning short-term rentals would leave many properties vacant for most of the year, putting both businesses and the Nantucket economy at risk.

Miles strongly believes that tourism is an important part of Nantucket’s economy and that eliminating short-term rentals would have negative consequences on local businesses and spending. He believes that preserving this option is crucial to maintaining collective prosperity on Nantucket.