Hosts of short-term rentals (STRs) that are now banned in Burlington, Vermont, are suing the city over an ordinance designed to crack down on their operations. Filed last month, the lawsuit argues that state law prohibits the city from regulating the length of time a dwelling unit is rented. It also says existing hosts should be exempted from the new rules and asks for a court order allowing their "pre-existing, lawful, non-conforming" businesses to continue operating. A victory in court would have implications for other Vermont communities that want to rein in STRs. The state's stock of the rentals has grown 13 percent in the last year, according to recent data from industry analyst group AirDNA.
Seven Days (VT) (08/31/23) Courtney Lamdin