Making airbnb legal in West New York (WNY), New Jersey

[Mark_Lori0]

West New York, NJ just passed an ordinance this week that makes short-term rentals of airbnb illegal. West New York, New Jersey attracts guests who visit New York City and we have no hotels in our town. Our Mayor just passed a resolution that effectively makes all airbnb rentals of 30 days or less illegal regardless of whether the property is owner occupied and regardless of the type of building.

I was not at the town meeting, and only learned about it from a summary news article (http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/27534113/article-West-New-York-adopts-ordinance-banning-sh... and http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/27533095/article-West-New-York-to-vote-on-ordinance-bannin...).

The full ordinance is here: http://www.westnewyorknj.org/web_content/pdf/ordinances/ord3517.pdf 

What can airbnb do to help WNY hosts provide the town officials with information on the economic benefits the town receives and the potential to implement an occupancy tax which could go to the town? Has anyone seen a forum of other hosts in my town or suggest some other method that we can coordinate a response?  Any thoughts on how to organize?

Thanks,
Mark 

[Mark_Lori0]

By the way - did anyone happen to notice that the NJ State budget that passed earlier this month has a provision to add taxes to Short Term Rentals starting on Oct. 1?     

https://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/07/nj_airbnb_uber_lyft_e-cigarettes.html

[Onur17]

Hi there, Where are we on this now? Does airbnb legal or still illegal in WNY, NJ?

When is the next county meeting so we can support you? Any other help needed?

[Lida15]

Hi, I was just informed that is illegal to host people in weehawken, do you guys have any idea if this is true or not, please help me because I heard that we can get a fine of $5000 for doing it

[Linny0]

Hi.  I am in penfield, New York.  Just got blown into the town for non compliance for Airbnb.  Need a conditional use permit to comply.  Needs to go they zoning and they are difficult cult.  Can anyone help me out there with ideas.  I’m desperate as I hav booking to complete this year.  Help!!!!!

[Cheryl389]

Although I am not in the impacted area, I am a host in NJ and I think that it's important for people to be able to rent spare rooms, or really anything, for any amount of time. It would be helpful for those with interest in Airbnb as hosts and guests to come together on this.

[Michael3175]

Hello -

How can I help! I have been renting in WNY for 3 years now and I LOVE IT. I would love to buy a condo for myself and would like the oppurtunity to rent it out. How can I help with this conversation! Who can I talk to? I don't want to buy in Jersey City, Hoboken, or anywhere else - I love WNY. Please let me know how I can support your efforts 

[Emily790]

Hi Michael, 

my name is Emily and my husband and I are West NY hosts as well and share your enthusiasm.  Thanks for be willing to help out with efforts to keep airbnb legal in NYC.  the current mayor is allegedly against it, but apparently doesn’t have an agenda yet to regulate.  myself and other hosts in WNY have fought hard to organize and speak out at meetings.  They lifted the first ordinance banning airbnb and we want to stay vocal so there are no more bans.   one thing that would help ( what i do at least) is send your guests to local bisinesses so ultimately business owners in west ny have a reason to support us.  their presence could  be helpful at meetings — please send me your email and i will keep you in the loop! my email is ****

*[Personal information hidden for safety reasons – in line with the Community Center Guidelines]

[Michael3175]

Awesome, michaelabartol@gmail.com

[Emily790]

also going to meetings really helps! you can go to town of west ny website and check for upcoming meetings — sometimes they say when short term rentals are on agenda 

[Nancy562]

As of today what you are planning to do will make you uncompliant to chapter 380A and you will be subject to fees. My next door neughtbor did this and after a year he was fined, forced to permanent rent. 

I wrote a post about this here... is not illegal 100%

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Airbnb-in-West-New-York-is-Not-Ilegal-if/m-p/1055274#M22187...

hope this helps 😊

[Emily790]

also does anyone know if it is legal to host in gutenberg? 

[Eugene100]

I thought short term rental was currently banned in West New York until a new ordinance hopefully passes. But do let me know if I'm not correct.

I spoke to the town building inspection department and they told me it is illegal.

[Nancy562]

I wrote a post about this here... is not illegal 100%

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Help/Airbnb-in-West-New-York-is-Not-Ilegal-if/m-p/1055274#M22187...

hope this helps 😊

[Christina1402]

Hello, is there any update here?