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Real Estate News Extreme measures: it will be almost impossible to rent through Airbnb in New York and there are already 15,000 fewer ads - La Nación

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Extreme measures: it will be almost impossible to rent through Airbnb in New York and there are already 15,000 fewer ads - La Nación

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September 08, 2023
Extreme measures: it will be almost impossible to rent through Airbnb in New York and there are already 15,000 fewer ads



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Among the regulations, it is required that the hosts share the house with the guests during the stay and that they are not more than two people.


New York is in the midst of a game changer that could jeopardize the possibility of renting through Airbnb in the Big Apple . This latest episode is the latest chapter in a long-running dispute between one of the world's most visited cities and short-term property rental companies.

The new regulations and their implementation​

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These new regulations require hosts to register with the city before they can offer short-term listings.

Starting Tuesday, New York City began enforcing highly restrictive regulations that severely limit residents' ability to rent out homes and apartments through platforms like Airbnb. These new regulations require hosts to register with the city before they can offer short-term listings. Additionally, rental companies, including giants like VRBO and Booking, must verify and approve a host's registration before short-term fees can be charged.

In addition to registration requirements, the regulations also require hosts to share housing with guests during their stay . This means that owners must be present at the property while it is being rented on a short-term basis, a measure that seeks to address concerns about safety and quality of life in neighborhoods. These restrictions apply to all reservations of less than one month , and a maximum of two guests are allowed at a time.

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Since the implementation of the new restrictions, approximately 15,000 ads have disappeared in just one month


The penalties for breaking these new rules are considerable: hosts who repeatedly break the regulations could face fines of up to $5,000 , while rental platforms could be fined up to $1,500 for facilitating illegal rentals.

The implementation of these regulations had an immediate impact on the availability of Airbnb properties in New York . In just one month, between August 4 and September 5, the number of short-term rental listings on Airbnb decreased by 70%. This translates into the disappearance of approximately 15,000 listings, marking a significant change in the landscape of the short-term rental market in the city.

Challenges in implementing the law​

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New Yorkers argue that the regulations unfairly affect people trying to rent their own homes while out of town.


Although many short-term rental listings have disappeared, some have chosen to switch to long-term rentals, which are not subject to the new law. During the same period, the number of long-term rentals increased by around 11,000 . However, identifying city-registered listings proved challenging, as only a few mention having a city registration number in their listings.

New York City has received thousands of registration applications, but has granted only a limited number of permits so far . Among New Yorkers, these regulations are controversial, as some argue they unfairly affect people trying to rent their own homes while out of town.

For travelers booking short-term rentals in New York, uncertainty is a reality. Determining whether or not they are choosing a legally registered host is difficult, as most advertisements do not mention their registration status . This led to a feeling of ambiguity for those who plan to visit the city and search for accommodation options through platforms such as Airbnb.

The debate around regulations

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For those who reserved for less than 30 days with an arrival date before December 1, their reservations will not be cancelled.


City officials argue that the proliferation of short-term rentals contributed to rising rental prices and exacerbated New York's housing shortage. The influence of the hotel industry is also mentioned as a key factor in the implementation of these regulations, which has generated criticism about the possible lobbying of the hotel industry in this decision.

On the other hand, Airbnb argues that short-term rental benefits the city's tourism economy , especially in areas where there is a shortage of hotels. The company took its fight against the regulations to court, arguing that New York City's interpretation of its own laws is "unreasonable." Although Airbnb has filed its case in the state Supreme Court, the new regulations continue to be implemented.

For those who reserved listings through Airbnb for less than 30 days with an arrival date before December 1, their reservations will not be cancelled. However, reservations with an arrival date after December 2 will be canceled and reimbursed by the company. Airbnb has not provided updated figures on the number of reservations that will be affected by this measure.

The future of Airbnb

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In short, new regulations in New York have dramatically transformed the short-term rental landscape, leaving Airbnb and its hosts facing an uncertain future in the city that never sleeps. The regulations seek to address housing cost issues and have sparked bitter controversy between advocates of these measures and those who argue they hamper the city's tourism economy. As this regulatory landscape unfolds, the implications and challenges for Airbnb are expected to continue to be a topic of debate in New York.

In this context, these rules follow the global trend of cities such as Paris, where properties can be rented for a maximum of 120 days a year, or in cities in Portugal and Italy . In Buenos Aires, measures are also being implemented to regulate temporary rentals. In Argentina, progress is being made on a bill to regulate temporary rentals for tourism purposes. The initiative seeks to create a national registry of owners and establish sanctions for non-compliance. The purpose of these regulations is to prevent rentals to tourists from having a negative impact on rental prices for local residents and to ensure that landlords comply with certain regulations and records.


Candelaria Reinoso Taccone

www.buysellba.com
 
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