Lawsuit in Nantucket, Rhode Island Puts the Future of STRs in Doubt

As detailed in local news accounts, a dispute between neighbors in Nantucket, Rhode Island, led to a lawsuit that has now put all 1,350 licensed STRs on the resort island at risk.

Nantucket resident Cathy Ward sued the Town of Nantucket and her neighbor, Peter and Linda Grapes, who rent their property short-term for vacationers when they are not using it. Ward claimed that Nantucket’s zoning do not allow any short-term rentals, despite the practice going back for over a century in the community. A judge sided with Ward in her lawsuit.

All is not lost, however. After discussing the case, the town’s Select Board and Zoning Board voted to appeal the decision. Nantucket relies heavily on tourism dollars and taxes generated by short-term rentals.

We will continue to monitor this case and report back.