To rent a property in East Hampton, an owner must register with the East Hampton Town Building Department. The property must be registered before a tenant can take possession. The Building Department will then issue a rental registry number, which must be displayed on any advertising, including on the Internet.
As an owner/landlord, you must fill out the town’s forms (the registry form and a rental property inspection checklist) and make sure the property has a valid Certificate of Occupancy on file with the town. You’ll have to pay a fee of $100. All forms must be notarized. You will have to re-file for every new tenant (and have it notarized), and re-file every two years regardless.
What if you don’t comply? Penalties for not registering your property before advertising it for rent include fines of $150 to $1,500 and 15 days in jail. Penalties for not registering your property before renting it include fines of $3000 to $15,000 and up to six months in jail. For second offenses, the fines go up to $30,000 and six months’ imprisonment. Keep in mind that a violation can be issued for each day a property is not registered.
The necessary forms are available now from the East Hampton Building Department at 300 Pantigo Place, Suite 104. Phone is 631-324-42145.