Rental Registry Draws Large Crowd, Mixed Reviews

A crowd of close to 300 attended a hearing Thursday night before the East Hampton Town Board on a proposed town law establishing a rental registry, which would require property owners to register with the town before advertising a rental, providing information about the number of tenants and lease term and certifying that a property meets current town and state safety and building codes.

The 45 speakers at the hearing, held at the American Legion Hall in Amagansett instead of at Town Hall because of the expected crowd, were split about equally into opponents and proponents of the law.

Those against it, who had organized a campaign online at stopthreentalregistry.com, and presented a petition to the board with 1,325 signatures, called the registry an onerous requirement that would unfairly impact those who abide by housing laws and said it would have a negative effect on the rental industry and economy without providing the benefit of improving enforcement against overcrowded and share houses. 

Advocates said it would assist town ordinance enforcement officers in enforcing housing laws, a critical need to address disruptions in residential areas where illegal short-term, seasonal, and year-round rentals are impacting neighborhoods.

Though speakers' opinions were evenly divided, a show of hands in the crowded room, where it was standing room-only, with additional onlookers standing in the hall, requested by Town Supervisor Larry Cantwell as an informal poll as to opinions, showed opponents far outnumbered registry supporters.