We've seen it in the news for almost a year and half now --- a group of homeowners in Massanutten Village are suing other such property owners because of the use of homes in their community as short-term (or vacation) rentals.  This seems to most commonly understood as rental periods of less than 30 days.

The latest --- instead of just suing two families for their rental transgressions, the plaintiffs are now suing 28 property owners! 

The entire debate on this issue seems to be over interpretation of the Massanutten Village covenants and restrictions.  Those being sued point out that these covenants don't explicitly prohibit short term rentals.  Those doing the suing characterize short term rentals as a business use, which is prohibited per the covenants.

The blow by blow:

• Zoning complaint filed against three property owners.
  
• County rules against three property owners.
  
• Three property owners appeal to Board of Zoning Appeals.
  
• Board of Zoning Appeals rules against three property owners.
  
• Three property owners appeal to Rockingham County Circuit Court.
• Rockingham County drops out of case based on Virginia Supreme Court ruling on Smith Mountain Lake vacation rentals.
• Lawsuit filed against 28 property owners.

For more on this controversial topic, keep reading the Daily News Record, keep reading my blog, or check out this very informative web site maintained by one of the plaintiffs, Gene Hauze.