SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — The Village of Southampton has enacted a new regulation, setting a 14-day minimum rental period for homes in the area. The village’s board of trustees passed the amendment with a 4-1 vote, aiming to address increasing community concerns surrounding noise disturbances and weekend parties prevalent among short-term renters.
Under the newly adopted rule, property owners can no longer rent their homes for less than two weeks. This change aligns Southampton with neighboring East Hampton’s rental regulations and is intended to reduce disruptions caused by transient weekend guests, a growing issue for residents.
During a recent public hearing, opinions were divided on the amendment. Supporters praised the effort to enhance neighborhood tranquility, while critics argued that the law does not sufficiently address other rental-related issues. Homeowner Jay Fitzpatrick expressed concern that the amendment fails to impose stricter regulations on occupancy limits, advocating for more comprehensive oversight of rental properties.
Mayor William Manger acknowledged these concerns while emphasizing that the new law does not require homeowners to obtain rental permits. During discussions, he noted that collaboration with East Hampton’s administration had led to successful resolutions of noise complaints without necessitating police involvement.
Trustee Ed Simioni voted against the amendment, expressing apprehension that the measure might be excessively restrictive. Conversely, Trustee Leonard Zinnati supported the change, citing personal experiences with disruptive short-term rentals. He emphasized the quality-of-life issues faced by residents living near properties frequently occupied by renters.
Several residents testified at the hearing about negative encounters with short-term renters, raising instances where they had to summon police in response to noise complaints. Many reported inconsistent experiences with law enforcement’s response to their calls, leading to frustration within the community.
The alteration in rental rules holds significant implications for homeowners in Southampton, particularly in light of the area’s popularity for family gatherings and special events. With the new minimum rental period now in effect, it remains to be seen how these regulations will influence rental income and the overall housing market, which is already known for steep rental prices.
This development reflects the village’s commitment to preserving community tranquility while balancing the interests of property owners and residents alike. As the policy rolls out, Southampton will monitor its effectiveness in addressing ongoing concerns.
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