• The case of New York City-based agent Tatiana Cames shows agents who rent out short-term rentals are well-advised to make sure they comply with relevant regulation.

Real estate agents often have the market knowledge and know-how to excel at renting out homes on a short-term basis, positioning them to take full advantage of sites such as Airbnb.

But the case of one agent suggests that before real estate professionals decide to do this, they should first make sure they’ve consulted relevant regulations, which are in flux across the country.

Tatiana Cames was reportedly sacked by her brokerage, New York City-based Compass, after word broke that she was facing penalties for allegedly violating a new New York City short-term rental law.

Compass declined to comment.

New York rental laws

New York City has long prohibited renting out units for less than 30 days unless guests share the unit with a full-time occupant.

But in effort to enforce this law, the city recently introduced fines for advertising illegal short-term units on sites such as Airbnb and HomeAway.

Cames was hit with five violations — each carrying a fine of $1,000 — for allegedly posting five separate Airbnb listings for a Brooklyn property she owns, the New York Post reported.

The agent appeared be renting out the apartments short term as she looked for long-term tenants, according to the Post.

Cames told Crain’s New York Business the units were legal and plans to hire an attorney to contest the fines.

Laws governing short-term rentals are in flux across the country, as city governments grapple with how to regulate the growing number of listings on Airbnb, HomeAway and VRBO and other sites that have popularized an alternative to hotels.

Email Teke Wiggin.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×