Hamptons homeowners weren’t the only ones making six-figures off renting their homes. Unbenowknst to them, they were allegedly helping a Jericho man do the same.
Southampton Town Attorney Tiffany Scarlato and other town officials said Lee Hnetinka rented out Hamptons home and made hundreds of thousands of dollars using the properties to host post-prom and post-graduation parties, the New York Post reported. He allegedly partnered with independent real estate agent Leslie Jennemann to find suitable properties.
After taking lease to as many as 10 properties, they would rent them out to students for $355 each for three days. Scarlato said the scheme generated $60,000 to $80,000 some weekends.
One homeowner who rented a $30,000 East Hampton home to Hentinka was called back by a neighbor that reported a party bus with a disco ball had parked on the property. The homeowner returned to find nearly 100 teenagers smoking and drinking, the Post said.
Hnetinka tricked the homeowners into renting to him by claiming he was using the homes for a family reunion. He has been sued by multiple homeowners and faces several code violations for not having proper rental permits. [Post]