Imagine a law requiring you to report to the government every time you—or a family member—stay in your own home. That’s not a far-fetched scenario. It’s part of a sweeping proposal that would dramatically expand local oversight of short-term rentals (STRs) in Talbot County.
Under the proposed legislation, homeowners would have to document and report personal stays or family visits—even when no rental is involved. That crosses a line, turning private life into a matter of government oversight. It’s an unnecessary intrusion into the lives of law-abiding property owners.
The proposed changes—drafted by the Talbot County Attorney at the request of Councilwoman Lynn Mielke—include a moratorium on STRs and layers of burdensome new requirements. These would force property owners to attend multiple hearings, resubmit paperwork for every renewal, and comply with strict rules that could make many legal STRs impossible to maintain.
What issue is this proposal trying to solve? Talbot County’s own data shows fewer than ten verified complaints about STRs in the past five years. There’s been no surge in licenses, no spike in disruptive behavior, and no breakdown in the current system. STRs are already regulated under a rigorous framework that is working.
Meanwhile, STRs contribute meaningfully to Talbot’s economy. According to the county finance office, in 2024 alone they generated over $6.4 million in gross revenue—supporting hundreds of local jobs in restaurants, retail, museums, cleaning services, landscaping, and more. These benefits ripple throughout the county, sustaining the vibrant tourism economy that so many residents and businesses rely on.
We all want safe, well-regulated communities. But this proposal goes far beyond what’s necessary or reasonable. It threatens the rights of property owners, imposes excessive regulations, and risks undermining a vital part of Talbot’s economy.
We urge our elected officials to reject this proposal and preserve a fair, balanced approach to short-term rentals—one that respects privacy, protects property rights, and supports our community.
Kevin Hartmann
Talbot Lodging Alliance
Bryan says
Couldn’t agree with you more!
Jody Weinstein says
What country are we talking about here… China ?? Russia ..? Oh wait… it’s America !! UGH ! I want to know where and when EXACLY Lynn Mielke enters our court house… how many bathroom breaks does she take ON OUR DIME… how long is her lunch break … does she EVER encroach on a neighbor parking space when she parks her car… I want her to photograph every time she parks her car and enter this in as public record!!! We need ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!!
Susie Hayward says
The arrogance of a County Official! I use STRs all the time when I travel. It’s a great way to get the whole family together in one place, and when family comes to visit, they stay in one because my house is not big enough.
Annette Miller says
Thank you so much for your well written letter. As an STR owner/operator we are weary and disheartened by the way we are treated in Talbot County. We bought our home to retire to in a county that we have come to love after many years of making wonderful family memories staying in STRs . Renting it to all of the wonderful people the past few years has allowed us to afford it and to restore it after it sat empty for 10 years. We have increased the property values in our neighborhood, employed several local people and businesses to help us maintain it and have paid a lot of taxes! We have had no complaints and have only received 5 star reviews from all of our guests. We work hard to maintain a beautiful home and comply with all of the rules and regulations of the county. We do not deserve to be further regulated for no good reason other than what feels like a few people who are opposed to STRs. What is in place is working already so what is the actual problem?
cornelia heckenbach says
Thank you Annette and also to many property owners like you. As a realtor I have many examples like yours, or the widow that is able to continue living in her home because she rents it out in summer. That enables her to continue living where she was happy with her husband of many years, or people that bought a foreclosure that was sitting empty, stripped of anything of value, an eyesore in the neighborhood and today a jewel, the list goes on. All the STR’s I have seen were always well taken care of and maintained – the tourists that rent in the county are no partiers, they are the future neighbors of all of you!
Deb Leber says
Thank you Kevin, well said.
I agree with you and hope our County Council will not approve these additional measures.
As a resident, should I want the ability to have a short term rental, I should be able to do so without unnecessary regulations.
Dr. Stephen Arnold Weinstein says
Legislation like proposed is a perfect example of government over each. It is initiated by politicians who are power hungry or simply are divorced from the basic principles of democracy and democratic institutions!
stephen weinstein says
An absurd proposal by a power hungry politician who has no understanding of democracy and democratic institutions. Hopefully never elected again!
Melissa Svehla says
This is absurd! We rely on travelers to supplement staff at the hospital. If they don’t have a place to stay, they won’t come. That’s a significant price to pay.
Glenn Baker says
I can’t think of anything positive to say about STRs In my neighborhood. With 50 foot side setbacks it would be my worst nightmare if my neighbor became a STR. There must be a better way for folks to make money without becoming their neighborhoods worst owner. Please keep your STR’s in Montgomery County and let Talbot be a quiet, dark place for OWNERS to enjoy.
Scott Rensberger says
STR’s are fantastic. They bring more tourists dollars into our community annd everyone benefits. STR’s give people a totally different experience when traveling. Who could possibly be against something so wonderful? I’m totally on Kevin’s side.
cornelia heckenbach says
Nothing new, Talbot County has been a tourist destination. Go to the Maritime Museum, you will see photos of “city folks coming to get relief from the heat in the cities” they came with the steam ship, they rented rooms and spend money.
Its a very easy calculation what the county would miss in revenue, jobs that would get lost, property values that would suffer.
we all ought to be very thankful about the tourism
Jennifer Dakin says
STRs help to support this community. If they are banned, then it will be the demise of several businesses run by locals. Very shortsighted approach by the County and respectfully ask that you revisit how you view STRs.