Santa Monica council votes 7-0 to crack down on Airbnb

Re:Santa Monica council votes 7-0 to crack down on Airbnb by therobot24 on Wednesday May 13, 2015 @01:05PM (#9540362)

Used Airbnb recently for a trip to LA for a friend's wedding. Myself and a few friends were able to rent a house in the hills which was way nicer, less expensive, and significantly easier than organizing a block of hotel rooms. Aside from moments where some would have to wait due to both showers being used, the trip was much more enjoyable.

While I agree that some rules need to be adjusted for Airbnb type of rentals, I really can't think of a reason why anyone would want to straight up ban it.

> The rules legalize “home-sharing” – in which the occupant rents a couch, spare bedroom or backyard unit – but require hosts to obtain a business license and pay Santa Monica’s 14% hotel tax.

Is this going to be the new loophole?

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Santa Monica council votes 7-0 to crack down on Airbnb by pneumatics on Wednesday May 13, 2015 @01:14PM (#9540433)

The owner must be present during home-sharing, so each property owner should be limited to sharing one property at a time. Since the properties must be licensed, it should be easy to shut down the multiple-property Airbnb landlords.

What this might enable is "sharing" a huge property, say an apartment complex, essentially opening up a new class of low- or no-amenity hotels.

[ Parent | on HN ]