Vermont Lodging Association Position Statement: Proposed Short Term Rental Legislation
Latest Update: 4.16.21
S.79 includes language that would require individuals to register with the state if they operate a short-term rental unit. Testimony from the Vermont Lodging Association on April 14th highlighted the need for these operators to provide proof of insurance, their address and the number of units they offer. VLA supports small, local short-term rental businesses but said the state needs to collect data on the trends regarding these businesses. They can have a detrimental effect on local housing costs and availability, as well as neighborhood character. The committee will continue taking testimony in the coming weeks.
Latest Update: 4.9.21
S.79 is a bill that includes provisions for all rental housing in Vermont. A short term rental registry is also outlined in this proposal. Tim Piper will be testifying on April 14th and highlight the additions agreed upon by the VLA.
Latest Update: 4.2.21
S.79 is a bill that includes provisions for all rental housing in Vermont. A short term rental registry is also outlined in this proposal. This bill passed the Senate and will be taken up on April 7th in the House Committee on General, Housing, and Military Affairs. VLA has sent a letter highlighting the Association’s suggested additions and requesting the opportunity to testify to further explain the need for this amendment.
Original Post
The Senate Committee on Economic Development, Housing and General Affairs is
considering a rental registry bill which includes a provision for short term rental
registration. The Vermont Lodging Association’s position on this draft bill 21-0887 as it
relates to short term rental provisions:
- Unlicensed STRs should be registered.
The state will know who is operating these businesses.
Owners could have had a way to receive Covid compliance guidance.
STR owners will be health and safety compliant and subject to inspection to assure lodging guests’ safety.
The state will be able to collect all taxes due.
- Registration form should include:
Owners name
Phone number
Email address
Rental Address
Owners fulltime address
Number of units the owner operates/owns
This information will give the state an accurate picture of the short term
rental market in VT.
- Provide Certificate of Insurance
Many STR owners incorrectly believe that companies such as AirBnb cover all
insurance issues. Neither they or their homeowner’s insurance covers them
sufficiently.
- Each STR should be accounted for with the Tax Department.
- VLA supports the annual $35.00 registration fee to defray cost of inspections/auditing.
*Bold language is suggested additions to the bill.
View the current draft of the Short Term Rental Bill here.