The Brookhaven Town Board tabled a vote Thursday to approve its proposal to tighten short-term rental laws.

The board heard three hours of public comment on their idea to ban pool and home rentals shorter than 28 days on sites like Airbnb.

A town attorney said the chance is just a clarification of its pre-existing law, but residents say it would remove their rights.

"The taxes in Brookhaven are very expensive," says Adam Banks, of Brookhaven. "Some people need to rent out their house just to hold onto it."

Residents who spoke out at the public hearing were warned they could be prosecuted if they admitted to violating the existing law in the past.

According to the town, the code does not apply to villages or parts of Fire Island.

Airbnb tells News 12 it is committed to working with Brookhaven to develop fair and effect regulations that balance the needs of homeowners with the concerns of the community.