What HomeAway Can Teach Airbnb About Getting Along With Cities
Photo Credit: PlaceIt by Breezi
Skift Take
Airbnb's current stance would likely be much different if its path to an IPO was uncluttered by web of local and state laws that could trip it up.
This has been a big week for Airbnb in New York, but not the victory lap that many expected after a ruling against one of its hosts was struck down by the New York City Environmental Control Board.
On Friday, CEO Brian Chesky published an open letter to the city suggesting how he'd like to work together. On Monday morning, the Daily News broke the news that New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman had subpoenaed user records for its hosts and guests in New York City. Yesterday, Airbnb responded in court by saying the AG's request was both too broad and the work required to deliver it was too onerous.
While it's clear now that Chesky's open letter was written with the knowledge that an action could be forthcoming, what isn't clear is why Airbnb was the Attorney General's only target. Airbnb isn't the only player in New York City's short-term and vacation rental housing market. In addition to older, local players like New York Habitat, there are competitors like HomeAw
