Southampton Town is temporarily easing its long standing short term rental restrictions in anticipation of the 2026 U.S. Open Golf Championship at Shinnecock Hills, acknowledging the unique pressures the international event is expected to place on local housing.
Under normal town code, most vacation rentals are subject to a two week minimum stay requirement, a rule designed to limit turnover and preserve neighborhood stability during the busy summer season. For the duration of the U.S. Open, however, the town will allow qualifying properties in the Shinnecock Hills area to be rented for as little as three nights.
Town officials say the change is intended to address the surge of visitors expected to arrive for the championship, which typically draws tens of thousands of spectators, players, media members, and support staff from around the world. With hotel accommodations limited on the East End, private homes have historically played a significant role in housing visitors during large scale events.
The temporary adjustment applies only during the tournament period and does not alter Southampton’s broader rental framework. All other short term rental requirements, including registration and compliance standards, remain in effect. Officials emphasized that the policy was crafted narrowly to respond to a specific circumstance rather than signal a permanent shift in enforcement.
Reaction among residents and property owners has been mixed. Some homeowners view the change as a rare opportunity to offset rising costs by renting their properties during a high demand window, particularly for those located near the course. Others have raised concerns about increased traffic, noise, and short term occupancy in residential neighborhoods, even on a limited basis.
Shinnecock Hills Golf Club last hosted the U.S. Open in 2018, and preparations for the 2026 return are already underway across Southampton. In addition to transportation planning and infrastructure coordination, housing availability remains a central consideration for local officials.
By allowing shorter stays during the championship, the town aims to strike a balance between accommodating a global sporting event and maintaining its existing approach to seasonal rentals. Whether the temporary rule will fully meet demand remains to be seen, but for now it represents a rare exception to one of Southampton’s most closely watched housing regulations.
