Inside the Rent Local Housing Initiative

Pilot Efforts Bring Relief to Big Sky’s Long-Term Rental Drought

Amid a scarcity of rental homes in the Big Sky region, an initiative known as Rent Local was established by the Big Sky Community Housing Trust. The program aims to pair property owners with dependable long-term renters through a system of monetary incentives, offering an alternative to short-term vacation rentals. Since its inception, dozens of individuals have successfully secured housing across various properties as part of the effort.

According to the program manager overseeing Rent Local, nearly two hundred potential renters remain on the waitlist. The goal of the initiative is to serve as a short-term fix to the growing housing shortage by linking working residents with available homes until additional housing stock becomes available. The program provides services such as free background checks, assistance with lease agreements, and financial motivation to help bridge the income gap between short-term and long-term rental markets.

Funding for the incentive-based program has been sourced from local resort tax contributions and community foundation support. Further funding applications are in process with other organizations, along with fundraising campaigns aimed at boosting available resources. While a significant portion of financial aid has been earmarked for property owners joining the program, disbursement occurs throughout the leasing period.

Property Owners Share Their Experience

A family who recently relocated to Big Sky became involved in Rent Local after hearing about it through a regional media outlet. Aware of the persistent housing challenge in the area, they weighed the pros and cons of vacation rentals versus long-term leasing and ultimately reached out to the program’s leadership for more details. With young children and a need for stability, securing respectful and qualified tenants was essential. Rent Local provided applicant screening, employment verification, and criminal background checks, allowing the family to make an informed decision about their new tenants.

Program staff offered flexibility throughout the process and presented carefully selected candidates who had faced recent housing setbacks. The homeowners appreciated having the final say in who they welcomed into their property, while also benefiting from professional support and peace of mind.

Local Workers Find Stability Through Participation

Two community members employed in multiple roles shared how difficult it had been to find consistent housing over the past year. Their previous rental situations were short-term, and the lack of options had nearly forced them to relocate to a different town. After registering for Rent Local, they acted quickly on a newly listed property and successfully secured an affordable, year-long lease in a quiet residential area. The arrangement allowed them to remain in the community while continuing to contribute to the local workforce.

They acknowledged why some homeowners may hesitate to rent to strangers—particularly when living on the same property—but emphasized the importance of thorough screening and honest conversations during the leasing process. Encouraging others to set clear terms in rental agreements and to trust their instincts when selecting tenants, they stressed how impactful it is when housing is made available to working residents. It directly influences staffing challenges in key sectors such as food services, education, and childcare.