In response to reports that local and Vermont Airbnb hosts were still accepting reservations while Vermont's lodging facilities are shut down by Governor Scott's Stay Home, Stay Safe order, we reached out to an Airbnb host in Chittenden County and made a reservation for April 1. We were successful in making that reservation. Shortly after making that reservation we received this response from the prospective host:
"I look forward to hosting you. Please be aware that by executive order of the governor of Vermont all non-essential businesses are effectively closed until at least mid-April. In other words there is not a whole lot to do at the moment. In theory travel is also restricted to only getting the basics although nobody to date has ever given me a hard time when I am out and about driving. The Bolton Valley Resort is closed for the foreseeable future until further notice. The room you would be renting is located in the Bolton Valley Resort; however, it is privately owned (by me). I am more than happy to host. Unless I am explicitly told by some sort of legal authority and as long as I feel like I am in good health, your reservation will not be canceled by me. If this does not work for you my settings allow you to cancel before April 1st with no financial penalty. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to me by this forum." (Phone number removed).
Our question to state authorities is who will be responsible for policing Airbnb activity in Vermont while the governor's executive order (calling for closure of all lodging establishments that are not exempted) is in effect? Will Vermont hosts be required to let prospective guests know or will Airbnb handle this?
At Governor Scott's media briefing tomorrow, March 30, we will ask whose job it is to police Airbnb and will there be consequences for hosts and the parent corporation for defying the governor's executive order.
