Short-term rentals urged to register

Warren County owners must comply with tax to avoid paying fines

QUEENSBURY — The Warren County treasurer is urging all short-term rental owners to register their properties with the county or pay a fine.

Treasurer Michael Swan said that all short-term rentals must comply with the county’s occupancy tax of 4 percent or face fines of 5 percent plus interest for every 30 days late. Swan, in a news release from the county, said he is targeting the approximately 175 out of more than 1,000 properties that have, thus far, failed to register.

“We have sent letters to every short-term rental owner we have identified and the vast majority have worked with us,” Swan said in a statement. “Unfortunately the next step for those who don’t register is taking them to court. That is a last resort but it’s the only option we have left for those who are ignoring our requests.”

Swan said the occupancy tax applies to hotels, motels and lodges — as well as short-term rentals, like those offered through such platforms as Airbnb and VRBO. Short-term rentals are defined as stays of 30 days or less.

Many of Warren County’s short-term rentals are centered near Lake George, the Queen of American Lakes, and in the southern Adirondacks, which is known for year-round outdoor recreation, including hiking, leafpeeping, skiing and snowshoeing.

Even if a short-term rental property owner has registered with the town where their property is located, they must also register with the county. The county also indicated that Airbnb, VRBO and other platforms cannot collect the occupancy tax for the owner.

“The tax is ultimately the responsibility of the property owner,” the county treasurer’s webpage notes.