ATT: VERMONT HOSTS & COVID 19

[Heather133]

Many of you may not be aware of this information from the Vermont Department of Labor website:Is my private rental property (Airbnb, etc.) considered to be a lodging establishment under the Executive Order?

Yes, any commercial transaction providing accommodations is considered lodging.

 What lodging is considered related to COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security?

As per section 6 (l); lodging is permitted only to the extent required to support COVID-19 response, critical infrastructure and national security. Some examples of permitted lodging would include housing for vulnerable populations (emergency shelter for homeless individuals); providing accommodations for health care workers, or other workers deemed necessary to support public health, public safety or critical infrastructure; lodging properties being used as quarantine facilities; and limited extenuating circumstances for the care and safety of Vermonters (such as lodging for an out-of-town family member to provide childcare for an essential worker).  

No new arrivals or reservations for immediate extension of stay are permitted after 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25 through April 15. Existing guests should be asked to depart unless they meet the above criteria. Any establishment with a guest that does not comply with this guidance after such time must verify the lodging is permitted by completing the Continuation of Business Operations Form.

I have contacted Airbnb for guidance on canceling reservations without penalties. I'm hoping to hear back soon.

[Steve2566]

Hi- What happened with the reservations that were already scheduled up to June 15, if they had not begun yet? They had to be cancelled? Its not clear to me if reservations are honored only for those that were already physically in the rental property at the time of the executive order or also to those that had previously scheduled them but haven't arrived yet ( for example a reservation from May 15 to June 15). Thanks so much!

[Mark769]

Hello fellow VT Hosts. 

Although it seems that Airbnb has unblocked the calendars for bookings after June 15, they have not unblocked them for bookings before June 15 for stays by in-state (VT) residents. The Governor's directives were updated to allow short term rentals to accommodate bookings from in state residents after May 22. I had several inquiries from locals that were trying to book over Memorial day and in early June and they were unable to do so because of some sort of restriction imposed by Airbnb itself, saying they could not book for less than 30 days. Has anyone else experienced this issue? I am just getting the usual nonsensical run-around from Airbnb support which seems to not care one bit and simply blows me off. Very disappointing treatment by a company that I have been a host with for over 6 years. Is anyone else out there able to take short term bookings from locals for dates prior to June 15th?

[Erin5150]

Hello Fellow Vermont Air Bnb Hosts,

    Looking for any recommendations for cleaning services near the Ludlow, VT area.  My husband and I are new to hosting and are residents in PA.  Any help would be greatly appreciated .