A recent article in the Conway Daily Sun explains how the town of Conway’s rental inspection and certification program, designed to ensure the safety and compliance of both short- and long-term rental properties, is currently under legal scrutiny. A lawsuit filed by the Mt. Washington Valley Association for Responsible Vacation Rentals, along with White Mountain Properties LLC, has brought the program’s legality into question, effectively halting its progress. The town was on the brink of finalizing the program by holding public hearings regarding the fine schedule for violations, which could be as steep as $1,000 per occurrence. However, these hearings have been postponed due to the ongoing litigation, with a court date scheduled for September.
Despite the legal challenges, the need for accountability among rental property owners cannot be overstated. As a real estate professional, I recently showed a three-story, three-bedroom home that shockingly lacked any smoke alarms—a basic safety requirement. This highlights a critical issue: regardless of the outcome of this legal dispute, rental property owners must take their responsibility seriously. It’s not just about adhering to local regulations; it’s about safeguarding the lives of those who stay in these properties.
The town’s inspection program, supported by over 1,000 Conway citizens, was designed to enforce life safety inspections for all rental properties, ensuring they meet basic safety standards before being granted a Certificate of Rental Compliance. While the program’s enforcement is currently in limbo due to the lawsuit, the need for some accountability is clear. Property owners should not only focus on protecting their privacy rights but also on ensuring the safety and well-being of their guests.
This legal battle could take years to resolve, but in the meantime, the responsibility falls on property owners to maintain high standards of safety. Whether or not the town’s program is ultimately upheld, the importance of protecting guests in rental properties should remain a top priority for all owners. The ongoing litigation serves as a reminder that while legalities are being debated, the safety of people staying in these properties should never be compromised.