The Town of East Hampton recently enacted a Rental Registry Law. A copy of the complete Rental Registry Law can be found on the Town’s website at this link: (http://easthamptontown.iqm2.com/Citizens/Detail_LegiFile.aspx?ID=16218&highlightTerms=rental%20registry)

Beginning February 1, 2016 the Building Department will begin issuing rental registration numbers and on May 1, 2016 the Town of East Hampton will begin full enforcement of the Rental Registry Law.

The firm of Egan & Golden, LLP regularly represents and counsels clients on compliance with Town and Village Laws throughout Long Island. Our experienced attorneys regularly appear at local Justice Courts and are fully familiar with Building Department regulations. We are available to draft and review all rental property documents and to ensure compliance with all provisions of the East Hampton Town Code.

Town of East Hampton Rental Registry: Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When does the East Hampton Rental Registry go into effect?

Answer: The Town of East Hampton will begin full enforcement of the Rental Registry Law on May 1, 2016, to enable residents the ability to come into compliance with the new requirements.

Question: How do I register my property?

Answer: Property owners who rent their residential properties will be required to obtain a Rental Registry Number. Beginning January 15, 2016 Rental Registry applications are available on the Town’s website (www.ehamptonny.gov) or at the Building Department (located at 300 Pantigo Place, East Hampton, New York 11937). The application includes the Rental Property Registration Form and Self-Inspection Checklist (which may be completed by the Owner, Licensed Architect, Engineer or Home Inspector). The forms may be filled out online and must be submitted either in person or by mail, along with a copy of the latest Certificate of Occupancy and the Rental Property Registration Fee of $100 (for a two-year term). Once the forms have been submitted the Town will issue a rental registration number.

Question: What is the cost of registration? Will my registration expire?

Answer: The cost to register a property is $100 for a two year term. The Rental Registry Number is valid for two years from the date the registration form is deemed complete by the Principal Building Inspector.

Question: What if I don’t have the tenant information at the time I register the property?

Answer: You can register your property and obtain a Rental Registry Number without tenant information. Once a tenant is selected, a Rental Property Registration Update Form can be filed with the Town of East Hampton. There is no fee for filing the Update Form.

Question: Can I advertise my property for rent without a rental registry number?

Answer: No, you must first obtain a rental registry number and list the rental registry number in all rental advertisements.

Question: As a property owner, must I register my property if I am renting to a member of my immediate family?

Answer: No. If immediate family members (the owner’s spouse, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren) are living in the property you do not need to register your property.

Question: Do you need to register your property if you are the owner and you live in the home and rent out one or two rooms?

Answer: No. If the property is owner occupied you do not need to register your property.

Question: What is the penalty if you don’t register your property?

Answer: If you do not register your property and obtain a Rental Registry Number you will be in violation of the law. If you are convicted of a first offense, the violation carries a fine that ranges from $3,000 to $15,000 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six months, or both.

Question: What is the penalty for failing to publish the rental registry number in advertisements?

Answer: A violation of Section 199-1-2(E) (Failure to Publish Rental Registry Number) is punishable by fine that ranges from $150 to $1,500 or imprisonment for a period not to exceed 15 days, or both.