"Tenants Not Tourists" Coalition Rallies Against NYC Council’s Short-Term Rental Bill
A coalition of housing advocates and renters launched a campaign to challenge New York City Council’s recent introduction of a bill that critics say threatens to exacerbate the city’s housing crisis. The "Tenants Not Tourists" coalition is opposing the bill, which they claim will remove tens of thousands of rental units from the market and further destabilize the city’s housing landscape.
Bill 1107: A Threat to Affordable Housing
Introduced last month, Bill 1107 aims to amend current codes surrounding short-term rentals in New York. The bill would permit a permanent occupant with registration under the short-term rental law to host a short-term rental for a maximum of four guests, including their children. However, members of the coalition view this as a potential catalyst for removing tens of thousands of rental units from the market. They argue that the bill would enable private equity firms to dominate the rental market, fueling rent increases and further destabilizing the city’s housing landscape.
Coalition’s Concerns
Whitney Hu, director of civic engagement and research for Churches United for Fair Housing, stated, "The City Council can’t claim to be fighting for more housing and against deed theft while carving out loopholes that incentivize private equity vultures and weaken enforcement against bad actors. We know New Yorkers are struggling to find affordable, stable housing in the middle of a crisis that demands immediate action – not giveaways to Airbnb and other corporate interests draining our housing supply."
Rally at City Hall
The coalition held a heated rally outside of City Hall on December 9, where representatives from various housing organizations voiced strong opposition to the measure, urging the City Council to reject it and protect the city’s scarce housing supply. OSE revealed data indicating that at least 55% of Airbnb’s revenue in New York City stems from illegal short-term rentals, a problem exacerbated by the lack of effective enforcement prior to the law’s introduction.
Local Homeowners’ Perspective
Local homeowners who supported Intro 1107, however, argued that the bill represents economic opportunity for more New Yorkers rather than hurting renters. They claimed that the bill would allow them to use their homes to support their families and make ends meet. However, opponents of Intro 1107 are particularly alarmed by its provisions, which would exempt owners of one- and two-family homes from enforcement and remove the requirement for short-term rental hosts to be present during guest stays.
Conclusion
The "Tenants Not Tourists" coalition is urging the City Council to reject Bill 1107 and protect the city’s housing supply. They claim that the bill would enable private equity firms to dominate the rental market, fueling rent increases and further destabilizing the city’s housing landscape. On the other hand, local homeowners who support the bill argue that it would allow them to use their homes to support their families and make ends meet. The debate surrounding Bill 1107 highlights the complex issues surrounding short-term rentals and the need for a balanced approach to addressing the city’s housing crisis.
FAQs
Q: What is the "Tenants Not Tourists" coalition?
A: The "Tenants Not Tourists" coalition is a group of housing advocates and renters who are opposing Bill 1107, which they claim will exacerbate the city’s housing crisis.
Q: What is Bill 1107?
A: Bill 1107 is a proposed bill that would amend current codes surrounding short-term rentals in New York City. It would permit a permanent occupant with registration under the short-term rental law to host a short-term rental for a maximum of four guests, including their children.
Q: What are the concerns about Bill 1107?
A: Opponents of Bill 1107 are concerned that it would remove tens of thousands of rental units from the market, enabling private equity firms to dominate the rental market and fueling rent increases and further destabilizing the city’s housing landscape.
Q: What is the coalition’s goal?
A: The "Tenants Not Tourists" coalition is urging the City Council to reject Bill 1107 and protect the city’s housing supply. They claim that the bill would enable private equity firms to dominate the rental market, fueling rent increases and further destabilizing the city’s housing landscape.
