In Plymouth, the Department of Public health is aware that there are at least 300 short term rental properties in town because that’s the number registered with the state. But the Department’s voluntary registration program shows only about 70 such properties. So a new registration plan has been put in place effective right now.
Bobbi Clark has more:
Dr. Barry Potvin, who chairs the Board of Health, says the registration plan is necessary because the Department of Public Health needs to be able to identify owners of these short term rental properties…
“…in the event there is a problem with the rental properties—and we don’t even know who to contact unless they’re registered with us. So, we thought this might get more compliance with, actually registrations, so that we have the contact information.”
So how will the town encourage registration?
“There is a registration required by the state, and they’re also given a state registration number when they register properly.”
To identify owners who need to register with the town, the Department of Public Health can access the state list:
“So we will be able to identify people that are registered with the state that haven’t registered with the town.”
And short term rental owner/operators want state registration because…
“…in order for them to rent legally, and to advertise themselves on things like Airbnb, they do need a state registration number or they won’t be able to list.”
In drafting the registration plan, the Board of Health has been working with the sub-committee appointed by the Select Board. This group includes representatives from the short term rental community.
