If you thought the Hamptons were just for serene beach walks and $20 sandwiches, think again.
The village of Southampton is taking bold steps to quiet the weekend chaos that has turned parts of this East End haven into a hotspot for raucous bachelorette parties and city professionals looking to blow off steam.
New Two-Week Minimum Rental Rule
In a 4-1 vote on August 19, Southampton’s board of trustees passed a new law that effectively bans short-term weekend rentals.
Under the rule, homes can now only be rented for a minimum of two weeks—a move designed to price out quick weekend visitors, who often pay upwards of $10,000 a week.
Mayor Bill Manger explained that the decision comes after repeated complaints from local residents who felt that the influx of weekenders was disrupting the community.
“It’s every weekend, a lot of bachelorette parties,” he said.
“These are people coming in and out, they have no interest in the community.”
Locals Welcome the Change
The measure has been met with approval from full-time residents eager for some peace.
Manger believes the summer of 2026 will see a calmer atmosphere, though he noted that the law only went into effect after Labor Day this year, so the full impact is yet to be seen.
Southampton is the last town on Long Island’s South Fork to implement such a restriction, with neighboring villages having already limited weekend rentals.
Homeowners who violate the law will face fines, and realtors are prohibited from marketing short-term weekend stays.
Impact on Traffic and Everyday Life
Local real estate broker Paul Brennan said that cutting down on weekend rentals will finally ease the area’s notorious congestion.
“It takes an hour to get from Bridgehampton to Southampton when it should be 15 minutes,” he said.
“You can’t enjoy the beaches or the stores—you become a prisoner of the house you rented.”
Economic Concerns From Some Locals
Not everyone is thrilled with the new rules.
Realtor Nate Grome pointed out that some clients and small businesses rely heavily on weekend tourism.
“Restaurants, shops, farm stands, and cafés worry fewer short weekend visits could mean slower foot traffic around events like the Hampton Film Festival,” he said.
“It’s a balancing act—protecting quality of life while keeping the local economy vibrant year-round.”
Rentals and Tourism Trends
This summer, Hamptons rentals were down 30 percent from the previous year, according to William Raveis Real Estate.
Brokers suggest the decline may be due to both people waiting for deals and broader concerns over economic stability.
Despite a potential hit to tourism, Mayor Manger remains firm that the ban will contribute to a more peaceful and enjoyable community.