The on-going battle between cities and short term rental App Airbnb continues. Here in Puerto Rico, San Juan has recently implemented a new fee for landlords. And the latest firing shot is taking place in New York where Airbnb has filed a lawsuit against New York City in response to a new law that imposes additional restrictions on short-term rentals within the city. The law, known as Local Law 18 or the short-term rental registration law, is set to take effect in July and requires hosts using home-sharing platforms to register with the city. Airbnb argues that the new rules essentially amount to a ban on short-term rentals and has left the company with no choice but to take legal action.

Among the requirements of the law, hosts must be the lawful occupants of the unit and be present during any rental period. Airbnb claims that the registration process is burdensome and invasive, forcing hosts to disclose extensive personal information and comply with complex regulations scattered across various laws, codes, and regulations. For example, one provision cited by Airbnb prohibits hosts from having internal locks on bedroom doors.

New York City officials maintain that the law is necessary to curb illegal short-term rentals and protect the city's housing stock. City councilman Ben Kallos, who supports the law, believes it will help reduce illegal rentals and increase the availability of permanent housing.

Airbnb's net revenue from New York City listings was $85 million in 2022, making the city a significant market for the platform. The company claims that over 5,500 short-term rentals, accommodating more than 10,000 guests, are scheduled to begin in the first week of July when the new law takes effect.

This legal dispute is not the first time Airbnb and New York City have clashed over regulations. The city has previously targeted what it considers illegal hotels listed on home-sharing platforms, leading to ongoing conflicts and legislative actions. In 2020, Airbnb agreed to dismiss a lawsuit against the city regarding the sharing of host information after reaching an agreement to collect less data.

The Wall Street Journal reported on this latest development, and the article can be read here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/airbnb-fights-new-nyc-short-term-rental-requirements-a001e173

What do you make of Short Term Rentals where you live?