Vermont Chamber would like to see short-term-rental properties regulated and inspected as commercial BnBs and inns are.

But the Department of Tourism wants not to discourage short-term renting, which adds to the supply and diversity of available tourist accommodation.

Airbnb rentals have produced nearly $8M in tax revenues for the State of Vermont so far this year. That probably looks to the State like a nice pot of money not to be endangered in future. But to get some intelligent regulation, is it going to take the death of some hapless tourist in a fire or other catastrophe that health and safety regulations and inspections could have prevented? Hope not.