Apr. 20, 2020
EAST STROUDSBURG – After witnessing how short-term rentals may have or could have contributed to the vast spread of COVID-19, especially in northeastern Pennsylvania, Rep. Rosemary Brown (R-Monroe/Pike) has drafted legislation aimed at ensuring short-term rental operations would temporarily cease after the governor declares a disaster declaration for the Commonwealth.
Within the legislation, short-term rentals are defined as anything that is not intended for a primary residence and when the owner is not in the business of owning, operating or managing a hotel.
“During this COVID-19 crisis, it is apparent that interstate travel into Pennsylvania, especially into the Pocono region along the border, has and continues to put our residents at a higher risk,” Brown. “Access to short-term rentals, often advertised as ‘coronavirus free’ or ‘escape from the virus’properties, continue to appear. This common sense effort to lessen exposure to out-of-state hotspots and populations should be immediately implemented in the future. I believe these advertisements and actions are unethical and socially irresponsible and a disregard to public health.”
“The common sense goal of this legislation is to curb early on mass spread of infection in the Commonwealth should we face another health crisis, like COVID-19, and be operating under a disaster declaration,” Brown continued. “Our primary focus should always be keeping our residents safe during times of uncertainty and protecting our resources for any disaster in the future. I believe this legislation is a great start to ensuring that protection and safety.”
Brown concluded “Short-term rentals were halted on April 1, but this should have been automatic to protect our area!”
Representative Rosemary Brown
189th Legislative District
PA House of Representatives
Media Contact: Abby Krueger
717.260.6617
akrueger@pahousegop.com
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