General Discussion

kskiska

(27,045 posts) Mon Oct 21, 2013, 08:38 PM Oct 2013

Battle brewing in NYC over Airbnb rentals

Budget-conscious travelers heading to New York City in the coming months could feel a chill in the air — and it’s not just the weather. With a legal battle brewing between state officials and the popular short-term rental site Airbnb, the issue could prompt some of the site’s local users to rethink their roles as part-time landlords.

“There are lots of people who are hesitant about posting on Airbnb because of the lack of clarity about what’s legal and what’s not; this will only add to that,” said Arun Sundararajan, a professor at NYU’s Stern School of Business. “It may also give people who may be coming to the city pause about whether it’s OK or not for them to stay at an Airbnb.”

Thousands of New York City residents list apartments or rooms for short-term rentals on websites such as Airbnb. Officials say such practices are illegal in many cases, avoid taxes, undercut the hotel industry, and pose threats to building safety. Last week, New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman subpoenaed Airbnb, demanding data on the 15,000 New York-based members who serve as “hosts.”

more…
http://www.nbcnews.com/travel/battle-brewing-nyc-over-airbnb-rentals-8C11406563

---------------
I've just returned from a European trip where I stayed with five Airbnb hosts in various countries. I probably couldn't have afforded the trip otherwise.

2 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

Battle brewing in NYC over Airbnb rentals (Original Post) kskiska Oct 2013 OP

Undercut the profiteers of greed and the law/laws will come after you in a warped RKP5637 Oct 2013 #1

Chicago recently passed an ordinance to regulate the vacation rental business frazzled Oct 2013 #2

RKP5637

(67,111 posts)

1. Undercut the profiteers of greed and the law/laws will come after you in a warped

Reply to kskiska (Original post)

Mon Oct 21, 2013, 08:51 PM

Oct 2013

capitalistic society.

frazzled

(18,402 posts)

2. Chicago recently passed an ordinance to regulate the vacation rental business

Reply to kskiska (Original post)

Mon Oct 21, 2013, 08:52 PM

Oct 2013

and I think it was a good idea. Personally, I'd be uncomfortable if someone in my building were renting out their unit to strangers for weekends without the rest of us being aware (security is an issue) and without proper insurance, etc. I realize that most owners and guests are well behaved and responsible, but you can't count on that, and you can't let it turn into a totally unregulated business.

A few things in the orddinance include: (a) renters must apply for and get a license; (b) they must get the approval of their condo association; (c) no more than 6 units in a building can be licensed for short-term rentals; (c) renters must present a certificate of fire, hazard, and liability insurance, with no less than $1 million liability per occurrence; no more than 1 person per 125 sq. ft ... etc.

http://www.cityofchicago.org/dam/city/depts/bacp/general/vacationrentalordinance011311.pdf

Reply to this discussion