Each year Merriam-Webster picks their word of the year. In 2022, that word was gaslighting, one that’s grown in social circles amongst the younger generations. By definition, it’s “the act or practice of grossly misleading someone especially for one’s own advantage.”

While it is a word that has grown in use, a 1,740 percent increase in searches to be exact, we don’t feel that’s the term or phrase on the minds of most local, regional and state officials. Our guess is that short-term rentals is the group of words near the top of that figurative list. 

In New York City Airbnbs outpace apartments for rent, and that number has also been growing in Sullivan County, especially with the influx of new residents during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As with most things, the rise of short-term rentals comes with a list of pros and cons. Some have claimed that it has destroyed the housing market locally, while others laud that it gives more options for people to stay who come to enjoy the bounty of our area’s offerings, be it in nature or our destination properties. The increase in short-term rentals has also added to local tax revenues. 

Short-term rentals certainly have their place, but it is clear more regulation and guidance are needed. 

Many townships have or are currently in the process of addressing them within their borders.

They were also a big topic of Friday’s Legislative Networking Breakfast, hosted by the Sullivan Catskills Visitors Association and New York State Hospitality and Tourism Association.

There is currently legislation at the state level to assist in the regulation of short-term rentals. Some counties, including Sullivan, have agreements in place to receive a share of the revenues created by short-term rentals, but others do not.

Too much regulation can be a bad thing, but it’s clear when it comes to short-term rentals, it is still very much the Wild West.

We support legislation and efforts by local and State officials to provide some clarity and a system everyone understands, because it seems there are oftentimes more questions than answers, causing confusion for all involved.

Hopefully the end result will be fair for all parties.