An Airbnb host in Williamsport, Maryland, has received a letter from the town asking them to cease and desist their Airbnb activities. However, it seems that this originated from some confusion caused by the poorly worded ordinance in the town. Apparently, it mentions B&B properties that provide at least one meal per day, which is something that Airbnb doesn’t provide. Now, the host is being forced to obtain different permits if they want to continue with their vacation rental business.
The post comes from user Competitive_End_6599, who posted their predicament on the r/legaladvice Subreddit. In it, they describe how the town of Williamsport in Maryland told them to stop their Airbnb activities. According to them, the host needs to apply for business and food-handling permits, both of which will take a lot of time and will affect this person’s income from the short-term rental property.
The OP also shared a fragment of the letter, which says the following:
“It has been brought to the attention of the Town of Williamsport that you are running an “Airbnb” at the above-cited address in violation of the CODE OF ORDINANCES for the TOWN OF WILLIAMSPORT. You are to cease and desist the operation of this “Air B&B” immediately as of the date of this correspondence.“
As you can see, the ordinance lists “B&B,” which might’ve caused the confusion. B&B definetely stands for bed and breakfast. However, Airbnb is the platform that helps people find vacation rental units, but it doesn’t include one meal per day unless the host wants to do so. Most of the time, hosts only provide the property, and those renting are the ones who use it to cook or cater for themselves.
On the other hand, many legal advisors tell the OP that while they don’t provide meals, they should definitely get a permit to comply with short-term rental regulations.
“Look at the zoning code. It specifically mentions a special exemption needed for rooming houses, lodging, and bed and breakfasts in that zone. They’re lumping it in as operating as lodging, which it sounds like it is. He should start the application process.” – formal_mumu via Reddit.
Ultimately, it seems that the OP needs to apply for some permits. Furthermore, the town should really need to explain better what a B&B is and if Airbnb falls under that category. If not, it will become more confusing for people who try to host or rent a vacation house in the town.
