Revisiting Restrictions
Rival rallies over proposed relief of restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms faced off at City Hall Park, playing out a live debate in front of the home of the City Council that will ultimately have to pick a side.
Tenant-Rights Advocates and Hotel Unions Rally
On one side was the newly launched "Tenants not Tourists" Coalition, made up of groups that included the Crown Heights Tenants Union, Tenants PAC and Make the Road New York, along with the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council. They were there to protest a City Council bill introduced last month that would allow owners of one- and two-family homes to use their properties as short-term rentals.
On the other side, homeowners, many former Airbnb hosts, held signs in support of the bill. They said that short-term rentals allowed them to afford rising expenses for maintaining their properties and gave them power and stability.
Chants and Counter-Chants
Chants that started with the tenant and union demonstrators echoed into call-and-response-style interactions between opposing sides.
"Housing is a human right!" the tenants and hotel group chanted.
"We agree with you!" came shouts from the other side.
"People over profit!" the tenants and union members chanted.
"Are we not people?" came the response from the homeowners’ side.
Argumentative Standoffs
Members of each side had argumentative standoffs with their counterparts.
Revisiting Restrictions
Starting in 2023, New York City Local Law 18 has barred property owners from renting out a whole house or apartment to guests for fewer than 30 days. After registering with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, they may only rent to up to two guests sharing their space, such as in an extra bedroom.
Councilmember Farah Louis’ Bill
Councilmember Farah Louis’ bill, Intro. 1107, would allow for rentals of less than 30 days in one- and two-family houses, increasing the number of guests allowed to stay from two to four adults, plus their children. Under the bill, the primary occupants would not need to be present during the guests’ stay, so they could rent space while on vacation, but would still need to register with the city. The hosts may also install locks internally to restrict guests from certain rooms, closets, or drawers.
Airbnb’s Position
Airbnb, which has spent over a million dollars this year on local lobbying, said the 2023 law didn’t do much to alleviate the housing crisis or expense of renting in New York City, while helping fuel a spike in hotel prices.
Conclusion
The debate over the proposed relief of restrictions on Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms has pitted tenant rights advocates against homeowners and former Airbnb hosts. As the City Council weighs its decision, the question remains: what is the best way to balance the needs of all stakeholders?
FAQs
Q: What is the proposed bill?
A: The proposed bill, Intro. 1107, would allow for rentals of less than 30 days in one- and two-family houses, increasing the number of guests allowed to stay from two to four adults, plus their children.
Q: What is the current law?
A: The current law, New York City Local Law 18, bars property owners from renting out a whole house or apartment to guests for fewer than 30 days.
Q: What is the position of Airbnb?
A: Airbnb claims that the 2023 law didn’t do much to alleviate the housing crisis or expense of renting in New York City, while helping fuel a spike in hotel prices.
