Deadly Shooting at Former Short-Term Rental Renews Calls for Tighter Oversight

Neighbors demand stronger accountability as city leaders scramble to address party house problems

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A deadly mass shooting at a house on Columbus's south side that previously operated as a short-term rental has reignited concerns about problem properties, absentee owners, and the city's ability to effectively track and enforce regulations around short-term rentals. Neighbors reported seeing late-night crowds and noise at the home even after it was removed from rental platforms, leading to calls for tighter rules and quicker penalties when rentals become nuisances.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in regulating the short-term rental market and addressing the issues of party houses and problem properties. The shooting has renewed pressure on city leaders to strengthen oversight, improve data tracking, and enhance cooperation with rental platforms to prevent future tragedies and protect neighborhood safety.

The details

The shooting occurred on February 9th at a house that had previously been listed as a short-term rental. Neighbors reported seeing late-night crowds and noise at the property even after it was taken off rental platforms. The incident has reignited concerns about so-called "party houses" and the city's ability to effectively track and enforce regulations around short-term rentals. City leaders are now meeting with rental platforms and reviewing policy options, such as stricter permit conditions and the use of trespass authorization letters, to crack down on problem properties. However, some council members and local advocates argue that meaningful change will require better data, sharper enforcement triggers, and stronger cooperation from the major hosting platforms.

  • The deadly shooting occurred on February 9, 2026.
  • A previous party-house shooting on July 4, 2025 that left a teenager dead had already pushed city leaders to discuss tighter rules around large gatherings and short-term rentals.

The players

City of Columbus

The local government responsible for regulating short-term rentals and enforcing policies around problem properties.

WBNS

A local news station that investigated the incident and raised questions about the city's tracking and enforcement of problem short-term rentals.

Axios

A news outlet that previously reported on the city's efforts to address issues around short-term rentals and party houses following a deadly shooting in 2025.

WOSU

A local public radio station that reported on the city's meetings with short-term rental platforms and policy review in response to the latest incident.

Local advocates

Residents and community groups pushing for stronger oversight and enforcement to prevent future tragedies related to problem short-term rentals.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Police and the mayor's office say they are meeting with short-term rental platforms and reviewing policy options, such as stricter permit conditions and the use of trespass authorization letters, to crack down on party houses.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges cities face in regulating the short-term rental market and addressing the issues of party houses and problem properties. The shooting has renewed pressure on city leaders to strengthen oversight, improve data tracking, and enhance cooperation with rental platforms to prevent future tragedies and protect neighborhood safety.