🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Southampton, NY
Southampton to Relax Short-Term Rental Rules Ahead of 2026 U.S. Open
A Hole-in-One for Hosts: Southampton Loosens Rental Rules for the U.S. Open
Southampton is ready to loosen its short-term rental rules just in time for next summer’s U.S. Open Golf Championship — and local homeowners are already eyeing the opportunity. During the tournament at Shinnecock Hills, set for June 18–21, the town will temporarily reduce its strict two-week rental minimum to just three days, offering residents and visitors alike a welcome reprieve from the usual regulations.
The town’s public safety administrator, Ryan Murphy, confirmed that the decision came after conversations with local real estate agents eager to start advertising homes to the flood of spectators, players, and media expected to pour in. The change is possible thanks to a clause in Southampton’s town code that allows for temporary rule adjustments during “regionally significant events.” The same exception was made back in 2018 when the U.S. Open last visited Shinnecock Hills — a move that proved both practical and profitable.
Officials see the updated rental rule as a win-win: a way to keep more attendees staying locally while cutting down on the notorious traffic that plagued the 2018 championship. “The more people that we can have staying locally — whether that’s attendees, players, vendors, or sponsors — the more we can reduce the traffic volume coming from west to east,” Murphy explained.
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The U.S. Open is expected to draw roughly 40,000 people a day. To manage the surge, police and transportation officials are already preparing traffic control plans and shuttle services from Long Island Rail Road stations and local parking hubs. The U.S. Golf Association is even in talks with Riverhead Town to use Calverton Enterprise Park’s runways as additional parking space.
While Southampton Town will temporarily allow three-day rentals, Southampton Village is sticking with its newer rule permitting weeklong rentals twice a year — a loophole Mayor Bill Manger expects homeowners to use during the tournament. Councilwoman Cyndi McNamara noted that some residents plan to rent out their homes and escape the crowds altogether — perhaps enjoying their own vacation on the rental profits.
Councilman Rick Martel compared the potential boost to September’s Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, which brought nearly 250,000 visitors and a surge of spending to local businesses. He expects the U.S. Open to do the same, kicking off Southampton’s summer season early. “The summer season is now July and August; June is kind of a wash,” Martel said. “This tournament will be a good shot in the arm for our local restaurants and Main Street.”
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