Dan's Papers - May 23, 2008 - Wild, Crazy Share House? Keep It To Yourself

Even though comedian Jerry Seinfeld's house was rated the best partying pad in the Hamptons by OK Magazine in 2007, his 12-acre waterfront property, purchased in 2000 for $32 million from Billy Joel, has got nothing on the share "party" houses up for grabs this summer season.

Just imagine sharing a house with 16 or more 20 to 30-year-olds, with catered bagel breakfasts each morning overlooking the ocean and bay, just steps from the hottest Hampton nightclubs. If you're really interested, the Internet has once again brought home the bread via YouTube. Prospective sharers can browse Craigslist, the listing site for everything from gum to missed encounters on the L subway, that's now putting out ads chock full of videos of Terry, Todd and Claudia living it up in the hot tub and pool with their Heineken mini-keg.

Gayle Polansky, 26, who has stayed in various share houses across the Hamptons since 2003 said, "It's a win-win situation. There are always new friends to make, new places to go, and the beaches are clean. It's like going to camp." Polansky, who is a native of Manhattan, became interested in renting in the Hamptons after she went to a "meet and greet happy hour" in New York City to mingle with potential roommates. "I've had the time of my life," she said.

There are other incentives to go group. The price is relatively cheap - in some cases it's under $500 for the summer but remember that you're dividing this among 20 or more people. But most of all, it's a networking thing. Perhaps even a romantic thing. There's no denying the temptation to flirt or have a true "summer shareholder love." And what non-trust fund socialite can afford to rent a place on the East End when the going price is somewhere around $8,500 for two weeks?

But with all the fun comes all the controversy. Complaints about these sometimes sardine-packed rental houses are not new. In 2003, in true "COPS" fashion, a half-dozen officers armed with search warrants busted into a six-bedroom share house in East Quogue. Outside the house, more than 30 people with bloodshot eyes and wearing clothes from the night before, had poured out onto the front lawn, yawning or zoned out on mattresses.

Partying and living at a share house in the Hamptons is as much a tradition as clams on the half-shell but the high demand for a "spot on the floor" has created quite a buzz in recent years. It has also caused neighbors to spy on one another - taking pictures of beer bottles strewn across lawns, bags of neglected garbage and dangerous deck parties.

East Hampton and Southampton Towns have responded to complaints of all-night parties and the frequent private buses from Manhattan that bring out loads of young kids. Yet the double-edged sword of technology has now enabled code enforcers a great tip-off resource. Potentially haphazardous party spots this summer are posted on Craigslist and other sites for everyone to see.

Currently, in both East Hampton and Southampton, the maximum occupancy for any given house is no more than four unconnected adults but this year, Southampton is now requiring a permit for rental housing and so far they haven't gotten many applications, only 117 according to Cheryl Kraft, Southampton's fire marshal.

And just like there's a list of reasons why you should "pick this house" in one particular Craigslist ad, which include "alcohol, breakfast, BBQ's, basketball courts, reduced price at clubs, lifelong friendships, meet the person of your dreams, 100 yards to the beach, jet skis, affordable, need I say more?" Southampton town officials also have a list - a top 100 repeat offender list, that is. Kraft mentioned that the town would start visiting houses on that list as soon as the season starts. But there's one important catch - if no complaint has been filed against the house, then there's no legal reason for an officer to go to the property. Without a warrant, the occupants' permission is needed for an officer to enter the house and in many cases a warrant is hard to come by.

The traditional escape from New York City begins this weekend and town officials seem to be walking a thin line between the private business of owners renting their properties and the "animal houses" that some places become. Neighbor, friend or foe, keep it safe and keep it quiet - it's a world wide web out there.