By Nicole, Marcello, Cole, and Joeleen
Airbnb is an online market that allows property owners to rent out their space to travelers looking for a place to stay. The company operates in 192 countries, but in New York City it has run into many issues. The website has become a great way for property owners to make extra income by renting out rooms or whole apartments while out of town. In just 2 years, it’s valued at $30 billion.
A bill has been signed by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to restrict the breaking of house regulations by prohibiting the rental of a space for under 30 days while the host of the home is not present. Fines will cost up to $7,500 for an illegal property listing.
In an attempt to regulate housing and protect full-time residents, the city of New York is taking away a significant source of income for residents who use the site to generate an extra income.
Though it is difficult to determine who’s taking over these apartment buildings to make so-called “illegal hotels”, it is insulting to take from the people and give to the government’s special interests.
The bill has not sat well with those who represent Airbnb, as many of their executives believe that the city of New York is violating their right to freedom of speech and due process. Actor Ashton Kutcher (who owns a notable stake in Airbnb) along with Facebook and Paypal co-founders have come together to urge Cuomo to veto the bill as it would impose harsh fines on Airbnb hosts.
The San Francisco-based company has always had a soft spot for New York. As one of its biggest markets in the US, the company is heavily invested in making sure it’s able to operate in the area. But beyond that, the company has shown genuine interest for the city’s culture and housing. After Hurricane Sandy, the company partnered with the city to provide free temporary housing to those affected by the storm.
Advocates for affordable housing in New York and around the globe however, are worried about the repercussions that come with the company allowing tourist to use entire apartments for short periods of time. These “illegal hotels” have taken up units that could be used for the residents of the cities instead of raising the rents of the area’s around them.
Those who back the bill believe that AirBnb’s proclamation that the new laws step over the line is bogus. “The Bill says: you can’t advertise an illegal activity” says Assembly member Deborah Glick, “I don’t know what the big confusion is.” She is not the only one who feels this way, as a group of New Yorker’s who call themselves “ShareBetter”, have urged Cuomo to sign the bill as it would prove to be a viable way to block illegal depletion of housing in New York.
Recent papers revealed “Share Better” is directly linked to the Hotel Trades Council, which has a vested interest in seeing Airbnb fail. The group has met with De Blasio 4 times. Another hotel interest group also donated $400,000 to the campaign to re-elect the mayor.
Airbnb has struck back against the possible bill by presenting a lawsuit in the Federal District Court in New York’s Southern district on October 21st. It was filed against Mayor Bill de Blasio, state attorney general, Eric T. Schneiderman, and the City of New York.
Report that anti-Airbnb campaign was funded by hotels has some residents upset
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/22/technology/new-york-passes-law-airbnb.html?_r=0
http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rundown/airbnb-new-york-illegal-lawsuit/