Everyone has heard of Nantucket. Most people know about Provincetown. In between is cozy little Wellfleet. For those of you who are not familiar with our town, the most beautiful on Cape Cod, Wellfleet boasts a winter population of 3000. This situation changes dramatically in July, and especially August, when the population can soar to 20,000 or more. 71% of the homes are owned by non-residents, who return in summer. Then there are the tourists, who stay at the motels and B&Bs, and the "summer people," folks who rent homes by the week. Wellfleetians often will choose to move out for two months to take advantage of the income rentals produce. Some non-residents also rent out their second homes to help pay the mortgage. In today's Provincetown Banner comes news of a controversy over whether or not this rental property should become a source of income for the town. Although Town Meeting voiced opposition to the idea, the Selectmen apparently went ahead, at their last meeting on April 28th, and voted to require a business license, effective January 1, 2012. The license will cost $70. What do you think? Should rental property require a business license? Is renting property a business activity?
Thursday, May 05, 2011
Should Rental Property Require a Business Licence?
Everyone has heard of Nantucket. Most people know about Provincetown. In between is cozy little Wellfleet. For those of you who are not familiar with our town, the most beautiful on Cape Cod, Wellfleet boasts a winter population of 3000. This situation changes dramatically in July, and especially August, when the population can soar to 20,000 or more. 71% of the homes are owned by non-residents, who return in summer. Then there are the tourists, who stay at the motels and B&Bs, and the "summer people," folks who rent homes by the week. Wellfleetians often will choose to move out for two months to take advantage of the income rentals produce. Some non-residents also rent out their second homes to help pay the mortgage. In today's Provincetown Banner comes news of a controversy over whether or not this rental property should become a source of income for the town. Although Town Meeting voiced opposition to the idea, the Selectmen apparently went ahead, at their last meeting on April 28th, and voted to require a business license, effective January 1, 2012. The license will cost $70. What do you think? Should rental property require a business license? Is renting property a business activity?
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