In the Dirt: A Real Estate Legal Update

Property owners (“Owners”) interested in engaging in short-term leases should carefully consider the structure of their contracts (“Leases”). Anticipating potential disputes and consequences is essential for avoiding future litigation. A well-written Lease can serve to facilitate friendly, productive, and profitable landlord/tenant relationships. A good Lease can also help insulate Owners from liability and unnecessary expenses related to the short-term rental of their property.

Short-term rentals have become a complex topic for many municipalities, which in turn affects homeowners or Homeowner Associations interested in the issue. Various objectives of the governing body in regard to regulating short-term rentals may affect their treatment of this issue. While one municipality may want to revitalize its vibrant downtown by encouraging short-term rentals, another may prefer to crack down on short-term rentals altogether to preserve neighborhoods with single-family homeowners. The interests of property owners who wish to earn extra income from short-term rentals must be weighed against their neighbors who desire calm and predictable surroundings. Here's what municipalities making decisions regarding short-term rentals must also consider.

Homeowners may wish to engage in backyard event rentals to earn supplemental income. For example, some homeowners may rent out their pool and backyard space for parties. While this might seem like a clever opportunity for homeowners to make an extra buck, such backyard event rentals will likely cause tension between homeowners and their HOA or community management entity.