Image: APA/AFP/ED JONES
In view of astronomical rents and an acute shortage of housing, New York wants to enforce restrictions on short-term landlords in the future. The measures could lead to the removal of thousands of listings on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO and Booking.com. The authorities’ planned action is seen as a milestone in the dispute between large cities that cannot provide enough living space and landlord platforms that target tourists with a flood of offers.
New York has argued for years that existing laws prohibit people from renting their homes to guests for less than 30 days — unless the host is present during the stay. No more than two guests may be accommodated at the same time. Private individuals would have to register with the city in order to be able to offer short-term rentals. Airbnb said the regulations effectively amounted to a ban. The hotel lobby would be preferred.
New York, with its approximately eight million residents, has thousands of Airbnb listings that are illegal under the guidelines. According to industry services, the average standard rent paid per apartment in the Manhattan district rose to a new record high of the equivalent of 5,200 euros per month in August. It is controversial whether the measures can have a noticeable effect on easing the situation.
Source: Nachrichten
