AirBnB Property Manager Sues Real Estate Industry

Sally Ladd is an entrepreneur who manages vacation properties in Pennsylvania’s Pocono Mountains. Recognizing the exciting opportunities afforded by the rise of the sharing economy in recent years—especially given the emergence of sites like Airbnb and VRBO—Sally saw a real chance to carve out a niche for herself in the world of short-term vacation rentals. In short, Sally saves property owners needless headache and hassle by helping them post, market and book their homes online. She does all of this on her laptop, from the comfort of her own home.

But earlier this year, Sally received a call from the Pennsylvania Department of State informing her that she was under investigation for the unlicensed practice of real estate. Sally was shocked and disappointed to learn that, to operate legally, she would have to spend three years working for an established broker, pass two exams, and set up her own brick-and-mortar office in Pennsylvania—where she does not live and has no desire to live.

Learn more:

http://ij.org/case/pennsylvania-property-management/
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