Northampton considers hiring firm to track unlicensed vacation rentals

Northampton County officials are exploring hiring a specialized company to monitor and track short-term rentals (STRs) that may be operating without required business licenses.

County Administrator Charlie Kolakowski explained that while county staff performs well, a specialized service would likely be more effective at identifying properties being marketed without following county regulations. The service could potentially eliminate the need for a previously discussed rental registry system and may even be able to provide 24 hour service to monitor complaints.

Kolakowski said the company would identify properties that are being actively marketed. There would still be a few that would slip through the cracks, but the County would be aware of the vast majority of them operating.

The company is scheduled to give a presentation about their services at the next Board of Supervisors meeting.