Online marketplaces for lodging (e.g., Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) have created investment opportunities for property owners looking to rent out an extra room—or an extra house—for a few days at a time. If you are looking to host your short-term rental on an online marketplace, however, you may need to do more than setup an account and profile. First check for local laws, codes, and ordinances that require additional permission for using your property as a short-term rental.
“…property owners in Hammondsport must first apply for and receive a permit allowing their property to be used as a short-term rental.”
“Short-term rentals” generally refer to any residential building used for short-term lodging purposes, usually with rental terms of less than thirty (30) days. Many communities in New York utilize zoning laws to regulate the use and development of real property. Under the Village Code for Hammondsport, a “short term rental” is “a village house available for lodging for periods not less than one day, nor more than 30 days, to the same occupants for the same dwelling.” Pursuant to this Code, property owners in Hammondsport must first apply for and receive a permit allowing their property to be used as a short-term rental. Failure to obtain this permit likely will lead to a visit from the code enforcement officer.
If you are interested in hosting a short-term rental at your current property, or a prospective investment property, contact our office to see if your locality has additional requirements for short-term rentals.