Airbnb guests slammed with new $75 fee, but this legal loophole could save your family big
What It Means for Ocean City Vacationers
Live Events
Why Ocean City Passed the Tax
Opposition Says It's 'Taxing and Taxing'
$60 Million in Online Rentals Last Year Alone
Legal Loophole: How Families Can Avoid the Fee
Airbnb Pushes Back
New Jersey Residents Voice Frustration Online
FAQs
(You can now subscribe to our
(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel
Families planning a beach getaway to Ocean City, New Jersey, may be in for an unpleasant surprise as a new 3% fee is being added to vacation rentals booked through platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, as per a report. But while the new rule may raise costs for some travelers, there's one key loophole that could help visitors avoid the charge entirely, according to The Sun report.Passed by a narrow 4-3 vote, the new tax means vacationers using online rental sites could see an extra $75 tacked onto a typical $2,500 stay, as per the report. The city says the new fee will go into effect in about 90 days after its passing, as per The Sun report.Ocean City's Council has added the tax because consumer demand has gone up for the shore town, according to the report.Council Member Dave Winslow said in defense of the tax, saying, "It's not astronomical," and then pointed out that, "Say on a $2,500 rental, it's only $75. Most people are not going to leave Ocean City for $75," as quoted in The Sun report.ALSO READ: Northern Lights alert! These US states could see the sky glow green tonight City officials argue that a surge in tourism is straining local resources, especially as demand for short-term rentals skyrockets, as per the report. Some homes are now offering one-night weekend stays, which council members say puts additional pressure on services like sanitation, policing, and public maintenance, according to the report.Council Member Jody Levchuk, who supported the fee, said that as more families visit, more resources are used, as reported by The Sun.Even last year, the council had tried to pass a similar tax, but the move was squashed, as per the report.One of the city council member who voted against the new law, Keith Hartzell said that, 'We keep taxing and taxing and taxing," adding that, "It never ends," as quoted in the report.Meanwhile, just last year, over $60 million in Ocean City rentals were processed through online platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo, according to OCNJ Daily.ALSO READ: TD Bank tells employees: Get ready to work four days in office! Following trend among largest Canadian banks However there is a catch in the new tax and potentially good news for budget-conscious families, the new tax only applies to bookings made through online travel agencies, as per The Sun report. If you book your beach house through a local real estate office, the fee doesn't apply, according to The Sun report. You can also opt to stay in hotels and motels to exempt from paying the tax, as per the report.Airbnb has spoken out against the move, warning that the added cost could hurt local businesses and push families out, according to the report.The platform's public policy manager Alain Xiong-Calmes said in a statement to The US Sun, "In Ocean City, where most guests come from within the New Jersey region, this short-term rental tax risks pricing out families seeking affordable stays," as quoted by in the report.Even New Jersey resident are unhappy with the move, with residents like Bobby Mesmer saying that "It's getting too expensive across the board," and added that, "The rentals are already expensive enough," as quoted by The Sun.Some residents even went on social media to express their frustration with the new fee, according to the report. One social media Facebook user said that, "My family has been enjoying OC for years but you have really priced yourself out of the market for a family vacation. We went down for the day last week and there was so much parking," adding, "Obviously, people are not renting this year including us," as quoted in the report.Another user wrote that, "Stop spending your hard earned money in OC," adding, "Plenty of other places to vacation," as quoted by The Sun.It's a 3% charge, so around $75 on a $2,500 rental.Yes. Bookings through local realtors or hotels/motels are exempt.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
August 2025 Monthly Horoscope for All Zodiac Signs: What the Stars Have in Store, Key Insights for Aries to Pisces
Aries Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Taurus Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Gemini Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Live Events Cancer Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Leo Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Virgo Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Libra Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Scorpio Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Sagittarius Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Capricorn Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Aquarius Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 Pisces Monthly Horoscope, August 2025 A transitional month for Aries, August starts with inner emotional reflection and ends with renewed confidence and clarity. While it might also slow down communications, bring delays in career progress and learning in the early phase of the month, mid of the month also brings a shift from introspection to self-expression. Financial conditions need careful planning while warmth in relationships and healing internally is encouraged. Staying focused, grounded and patient leads Aries towards the unfolding of the second half of the month, which gradually opens all sorts of opportunities and ensures stable a moment to think things through before new opportunities and clarity slowly take over.A month of emotional restoration and clarity in the first half of August feels introspective for Tauruses affecting communications and decision making in both work and relationships. Venus's transit to Cancer brings healing energy that encourages bonds in emotional relationships and financial choices. Financially, the month urges disciplined planning and savings and career pursuits serve best in the second half of it. Confidence, stability and emotional strength is regained by the end of the month while health stays steady and gentle-care routines support emotional emotional balance and clarity to facilitate development and self-assured is offered a gentle shift from emotional fog to clarity in August 2025. Delays can be seen in communication and finances in the initial stage of the month however, the energy picks up in the middle of the month. Confidence and mental sharpness is boosted by The Sun 's move into Leo while Venus influences warmth in emotional relationships. Health and emotional well-being is balanced from gentle rests and self-care while short term gains can be seen through creative work. Overall, August for Gemini mainly focuses on reflection first and action the second half, August directs Gemini reflection toward self-awareness, self-assurance, and creative marks a turning point in self-image, clarity, and emotional strength for Cancerians. Even though the first half may feel emotionally intense and mentally foggy, the momentum returns as the month unfolds into half. Financial decisions benefit from caution early on and emotional health should be kept in check. Patience in relationships early on gives way to deepened bonds and relationships. Students and learners thrive in the second half of the month when energy and motivation returns. Overall, August brings healing, self-realisation and personal empowerment for guides Cancer through a period of intense emotion into one of understanding, recovery, and rediscovered personal strength, particularly in the areas of relationships, education, and personal Leos, August is the month of steady buildup and personal power. Emotional introspection forces you to reflect on past choices or feel temporarily held back. However, the confidence returns when your ruling planet, The Sun, moves into Leo on August 17. Clarity is sharpened in the second half of the month allowing you to pitch ideas, restart paused projects, and reconnect with your sense of purpose. Quiet emotional growth and deepening bonds can be seen in family and relationships when you let your guard down. Financial decisions require restraint while noticeable low energy is restored as the month progresses. Leos see a transformative phase where they step out of the shadows, claim their space, reclaim emotional clarity, confidence, and control.A transition from introspection to a daring comeback, as self-assurance, emotional fortitude, and clarity return, rekindling passion, purpose, and individual strength.A deep defining month for the Virgos, August 2025 brings a shift as the Mercury goes direct and Mars stays active the whole month. The start may feel slow, a little foggy, demanding patience; your planetary movements force your inner drive to kick in. You'll feel sharper, more focused, and ready to take practical steps forward in all aspects of your life. While emotional heaviness can linger early on, connections soften and relationships feel more nourishing eventually. Finances should be managed carefully and the signs to rest from the body shouldn't be taken lightly. You'll be balancing emotional depth with start action, realign with purpose and what works best for you, without combining motivation, clarity, and purpose, August assists Virgos in moving from emotional heaviness to focused action. It also encourages patience, rest, and practical unfolds as a two-part story for all the Libras. You might sart driven, focused, but might face delays or crossed wires at work. The Sun moving into the Leo on the 17th lights up your social and expressive side. Expect steering attention towards meaningful relationships and softer forms of success like emotional peace and personal connection. Financially, avoid big decisions early on and stay focused on practical goals instead of short-term fixes. Take time to rest and de-stress your body and by month-end you'll be in tune with both your goals and your feelings. Take your time and trust what's unfolding now is worth the advises Libra to take it slow, have faith in the process, and change their attention from early setbacks to more meaningful relationships, emotional clarity, and stable long-term are being forced to balance ambition with emotional depth in August. The start of the month might bring confusion in travel, studies or legal matters. Hold on before you rush to make big decisions. A shift can be seen mid-month where your career comes in the spotlight and recognition is possible. Towards the end of the month, emotional sensitivity is added in your relationships where long-distance or family connections turn more meaningful. Financial conditions are a mixed batch where shared income could benefit you but you should lay off on spending early in the month. Pace yourself and stay clear-headed after mid-August, to gain potential for personal growth and career encourages Scorpio to strike a balance between ambition and emotion, with growth and clarity in relationships and career emerging after the middle of the brings calibration and clarity for initial phase of the month asks you to slow down, reflect, and tie up loose ends; especially those around shared resources or relationships. By the mid of the month your curiosity grows, and long-distance travel, higher learning, or spiritual pursuits may call your attention. Career-wise it's a month to sit with your thoughts before decision making while post-retrograde clarity brings new opportunities through education or global networks. It's a month of inner healing, expanded perspectives and growing confidence as long as you let things flow naturally whilst trusting the encourages Sagittarius to take time to think things through early on, and then, via education, healing, and new perspectives, opens doors to development, clarity, and reaffirmed partnerships are in the spotlight for Capricorns this month. Your focus is being pulled towards shared finances, trust, and deeper emotional themes. With Mercury retrograde until the 11th of the month, communication in relationships or legal matters may feel delayed or unclear. Work and money matters demand patience but gradually clarity improves as the month unfolds into half. .By the end of August, things start to move again, whether in love, finances, or career, what felt stuck earlier now opens up with clarity and depth. Moving with intentions and a set objective will benefit instead of reacting instantly in situations that feel Insights: As relationships and professional advancement gradually return, August advises Capricorn to take it slow and handle emotional and financial issues pushes Aquarius to slow down and rework on your daily routine. Turn your attention to your health and work-life balance. During the second week of August routines and communication at work may be disrupted; take your time with decision-making as things become smoother when Mercury goes direct. Warmth and harmony can be seen in everyday connections as well as wellness efforts. Financially, you're advised to deal with budgets wisely while taking gentle care of your emotional health. As the month nears its end, communication gets better, relationships soften, and routines feel more encourages Sagittarius to take time to think things through early on, and then, via education, healing, and new perspectives, opens doors to development, clarity, and reaffirmed and clearer self-expression can be seen for Pisces in the month of August. Focus shifts from introspection and emotional healing to productivity and discipline. Delays in creative or romantic communication can start flowing smoothly after the 11th of August. Warmth can be seen in relationships, especially with family and close friends, as Venus enters Cancer towards the end of the month. Career efforts gain traction mid-month as creativity blends with structure. Financial decisions benefit from thoughtful planning, especially in partnerships. Health and mood feel lighter gradually while emotional wellbeing improves with routines that nurture both your body and brings emotional clarity, better relationships, and consistent advancement in one's career and well-being as it leads Pisces from introspection to targeted action.
NDTV
3 hours ago
- NDTV
Why Trump's Tariff Tactic Is A Case Study To Understand Game Theory
In most negotiations, people assume success comes from persuasion or compromise at the table. But those who understand game theory know the real strategy starts long before the first conversation. Game theory is the study of strategic decision-making that helps you anticipate your counterpart's likely responses, limit their choices, and frame the game in your favour from the start. Trump's Strategy: Setting the Rules Before the Game Starts One of the clearest real-world examples of game theory in action was Donald Trump's aggressive use of tariffs during his presidency and campaign trail. He didn't wait to negotiate; he imposed tariffs first and then invited trade partners to the table, often under high pressure. For instance, Trump recently announced: A 25 per cent tariff on India, plus a 'penalty' because it buys a large amount of oil from Russia A 35 per cent tariff on Canadian goods A 30 per cent tariff on imports from Mexico and the European Union And floated a 15-20 per cent blanket tariff on most major trading partners These bold, headline-making moves are not random or reactionary; they're tactical. By acting first and going public, Trump changes the entire dynamic of the negotiation. He forces other countries into a defensive position where reacting becomes the priority and not bargaining from strength. This tactic fits the game theory principle of limiting the other side's options - they must either concede or escalate. Structuring the Game Before It Starts A fundamental game theory principle is to shape the process before anyone enters the room. Trump mastered this by forcing urgency with public declarations. His team would often signal intentions through media interviews, tweets, or formal letters, effectively locking in their stance before talks began. This is similar to what the European Union did during Brexit negotiations. The EU refused to move forward on future trade until the UK finalised the withdrawal agreement. By sequencing the discussion strategically, they prevented the UK from leveraging major issues early in the process. Trump used a similar sequencing trick. For example, by threatening auto tariffs, he created enough pressure on countries like Japan, Germany, and South Korea to fast-track bilateral talks. The structure itself becomes a pressure tool. Why Limiting Choices Creates Leverage In game theory, power comes from reducing the other party's freedom to manoeuvre. Trump's announcements typically cornered countries with few alternatives: either accept tariffs and damage exports, or come to the table and negotiate. This strategy is high-risk and often seen as unconventional in diplomacy. But for Trump, it worked because it appeared credible. He rarely gave himself an easy exit that forced counterparts to believe he would follow through. When he sent a letter to EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announcing 30% tariffs on goods, on top of existing tariffs, the EU immediately responded. Though they opposed the tariffs, they expressed a desire to keep negotiating. That quick response, even without agreement, achieved Trump's goal: Move them into reaction mode and back to the table. How Trump Uses Loss Aversion Another tactic Trump consistently taps into-consciously or not, is loss aversion. People are more motivated to avoid losses than to achieve gains. Trump often frames negotiations in terms of what the other party will lose if they don't act. This showed up when he gave companies or countries limited windows to respond to US demands or risk being hit by penalties. Creating a ticking clock flips the mindset of a negotiation from opportunity to a crisis control state, where counterparts are more likely to concede. By doing this repeatedly, Trump trained others to treat every offer as time-sensitive and high-stakes. That kind of psychological pressure, especially in public view, boosts leverage exponentially. Power Comes From Options and Commitment Game theory defines power in two key ways: Having credible alternatives - When Trump talked about diversifying supply chains or sourcing goods domestically, even if not immediately realistic, it signalled fallback options. That alone gave him more room to demand concessions. Committing to your course of action - Trump rarely left room for doubt. When he said he would impose tariffs, he followed through. This made threats feel real and made foreign leaders more cautious in opposing him. A powerful negotiation move is combining clear commitment with credible alternatives. Businesses do this by preparing substitute suppliers. Trump did it through executive orders, tariffs, and strategic messaging. Avoiding Deadlock Through Preparation In complex negotiations, deadlock is a common risk. Trump's strategy often avoided this by creating pressure points early and making the cost of inaction appear high. He didn't rely on last-minute appeals; he structured the negotiation to force movement. If you notice, Trump is using the same tactic on Putin - pressuring with high tariffs to get Putin to stop the Russia-Ukraine war. From a game theory perspective, this is a smart strategy. If the other party believes stalling leads to worse outcomes, they're more likely to make concessions early. Trump's public tactics, such as tweeting upcoming deadlines or threatening new penalties, were all designed to force decisions quickly. Trump's tariffs, if fully implemented, would no doubt cause short-term chaos and disrupt multiple economies. But viewed through the lens of negotiation and game theory, they are not simply trade policies; they're a strategic tool. A high-stakes move designed to force engagement, reset leverage, and ultimately bring countries onto an equal playing field. And it has worked. Countries have come to the are paying attention to Trump's threat. It's even resulted in some deals already made. Trump's strategy isn't about endless is it about enforcing tariffs unless the other country takes no heed, which has so far not happened. Then, Trump's tariff strategy seems to be more about setting the terms early, projecting strength and compelling action. Bottom line? Whether in diplomacy or business, these tactics shift power toward the person who shapes the game itself, not just how it's played. Trump understood that perception of power is power. And so far, it's working.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
India in the crosshairs: Trump's trade war culminates in 25% tariff
Donald Trump (left), Narendra Modi (PTI) Since taking office, US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff strategy has sent ripples through the global economy, with India now joining the growing list of nations facing steep import duties. Here is how Trump's trade war has evolved so far: 1. Trump Imposes Tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China (February 1) Trump imposes 25% tariffs on Mexican and most Canadian imports and 10% on goods from China, demanding they curb the flow of fentanyl and illegal immigrants into the US 2. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Raised (February 10) Trump raises tariffs on steel and aluminum to a flat 25% 'without exceptions or exemptions'. 3. Blanket Global Tariffs Announced (April 2) Trump announces global tariffs with a baseline of 10% across all imports and significantly higher duties on some of the United States' biggest trading partners. 4. Blanket Duty Maintained Amid Market Upheaval (April 9) The 10% blanket duty on almost all US imports stays in place. 5. US and China Agree to Temporary Tariff Cuts (May 12) The US and China agree to temporarily slash reciprocal tariffs. Under the 90-day truce, the US will cut the extra tariffs it imposed on Chinese imports to 30% from 145%, while China's duties on US imports will be slashed to 10% from 125%. 6. Trump Recommends 50% Tariff on EU Goods (May 23) Trump says he is recommending a straight 50% tariff on goods from the European Union starting on June 1. He backpedals on this threat two days later. 7. Steel and Aluminum Tariffs Hiked to 50% (June 3) Trump signs an executive proclamation activating a hike in the steel and aluminum tariffs to 50% from 25%. 8. Tariffs on BRICS-Aligned Countries (July 6) Trump says on Truth Social that countries aligning themselves with the 'Anti-American policies' of BRICS will be charged an additional 10% tariff. 9. Higher Duties for 14 Countries Announced (July 7) In letters sent to 14 countries, including Japan, South Korea and Serbia, he says that will include tariffs between 25% and 40%. 10. 25% Tariff on Indian Imports Announced (July 30) He says in a post on Truth Social the US will impose a 25% tariff on goods imported from India starting on August 1. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Discover stories of India's leading eco-innovators at Ecopreneur Honours 2025
