Many local governments (and residents) prefer property owners living in their communities rather than tenants. This is not a new concern. Disputes between municipal officials and renters, whether for the short-term or over a more extended period, have long preceded the recent public battles over Airbnb and other online marketplaces and homestay networks. In many cases, courts have resolved the issues in important rulings.
This column explores a number of the significant New York court decisions that help to establish a framework for analyzing the validity of zoning restrictions and the conditions imposed by local governments on permits and variances when rental units are involved.
