Airbnb Loses a Fight in New York as Legislature Passes Strict Advertising Law
Skift Take
Both Airbnb and New York City have missed out on a real opportunity to set precedents for the business. If Airbnb would bend a bit, and if New York leaders didn't think it was pure evil we could have seen a solution similar to what then-Mayor Bloomberg's was able to do with smart rules for Uber and e-hailing. More fighting on the horizon.
New York State legislators passed a bill today that will heavily fine hosts on Airbnb and other short-term rental site for allowing listings by hosts of rentals that violate the state's short-term rental laws.
The bill [embedded below] first passed the State Assembly and then moved quickly through the State Senate in the closing days of session. It awaits the governor's signature. The new law seeks to restrict the advertising of the vast majority of full-unit rentals for less than 30 days in New York City. This type of rental is already illegal under the state's short-term dwelling law, but Airbnb and its peers have not helped state or city officials limit rentals that violate the law. These rentals make up a majority of A
