This year the Hamptons Hot Summer Season should sizzle! We expect more homeowners than ever before, most will enjoy their new acquisition others will choose to rent. Those who choose to rent need to check with their respective municipality for laws, permits, registry instructions and other details. Most of the East End communities have specific laws pertaining to rentals. There have been laws such as ‘group laws’ in place for many years, Such as “no more than 4 unrelated persons allowed in a SFR in East Hampton—5 in Southampton”. And of course, any SFR (single family residence) mandates just that, one family not multiple families in the home.
East Hampton Town has launched a HOT POTATO this year with the adoption of a Rental Registry Law. After considerable debate – mostly objections—the law was passed. Clearly, all residents wish to maintain the quality of life that we hold so dear.
Furthermore, existing laws such as the group laws seemed to address many of the concerns. The catalyst seemed to be the sudden and instant influx of short term rentals… or simply excessive use of residences.
Homeowners, for the most part, are not using their homes like hotels but admittedly, there is evidence of abuse. Many resort towns are experiencing similar tenant activity. Some have attributed this to online rental sites, some the economy.
In the Hamptons, the lack of hotels and short term rentals contribute to the problem. Just as UBER has forever changed rides around the world, so has VRBO & HomeAway changed how tenants experience vacation rentals. The problem, for lack of a better term, is larger than us.
Worthy of a full discussion… Weigh in your thoughts.