There is a law on the books from Jan. 2008 in the Town of Southampton, that I wish my real estate agent had told me obout before I bought my adorable summer rental cottage. The Town of Southampton includes Sag Harbor, Bridgehampton, Water Mill, Shinecock, Hampton Bays and I think Flanders and East Quogue. It does NOT, however include Southampton Village, conveniently.

This law (270) states that the Chief Building Inspector determines whether a property qualifies.

Here are some of the highlights:

- You have to obtain a Rental Permit with the names of every one of the persons renting.

- To get a permit you have to have an inspection by an architect or engineer stating that the place is up to code.

- No shares.

- Minimum stay 29 days.

- If you advertise to the general population or part of the general population (including digital media, ie. HomeAway, VRBO), your property is considered a rental. If ANYONE is staying there besides the owner or the owner's immediate family, they consider the property rented, whether or NOT you are paid, in any way. (Sorry, no friends borrowing the place for the weekend while you're at your mother-in-law's!)

- $200 fee the first year, $100 bi-annually thereafter.

Here's the kicker: "a fine not less than $1,500 nor more than $8,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both, for a conviction of a first offense;

For conviction of a second or subsequent offense within 18 months, a fine not less than $3,000 nor more than $15,000 or imprisonment not to exceed a period of six months, or both."

Happy renting!

Do you have a place that this new-ish law effects? Are you getting a permit? If so, how long does it take? Did you get a lawyer?

Thanks for your input.

The Law: <http://www.suffolklaw.com/newsletters/Southampton.pdf>

The Horror Story: <http://sagharboronline.com/sagharborexpress/page-1/southampton-town-shuts-down-harbor-rental-8447>