There seems to always be new Airbnb legal issues arising. Some housing activists are fighting Airbnb, while Airbnb is trying to work with cities in providing safe laws that will please all. If you’re an Airbnb host or real estate investor, then it is crucial for you to know about the new Airbnb laws this year.
The Airbnb New York Crisis
Let’s delve in to the juicy Airbnb New York City legal issues first! Perhaps you’ve heard about. It’s one of the most debated “crisis” in short-term rentals. Long story short, this past October, the city of New York issued a new law that prohibits advertising or listing an entire unoccupied property for less than 30 days. If the law is broken, fines could go as high as $75,000.
Needless to say that Airbnb was not too pleased about the new law. They opposed it vehemently with a $10 million campaign and a lawsuit. Airbnb has been accused for disrupting the housing market in cities, especially in New York City. Why? Finding housing is a challenge in the Big Apple, and it became more difficult as more Airbnb users were taking up properties. It also drove up rental rates. In response to these criticisms, Airbnb proposed to limit landlords from listing multiple properties at one time. This would help them stop the tenants who seek to list multiple properties, preventing those who are seeking a long term residence.
Yet, the Airbnb legal issues continued. Airbnb sued. Two months later (this past December), Airbnb agreed to settle the lawsuit. They dropped it after the city made it clear that they would not fine the company itself. The law was not targeting the company directly. Instead, a spokesperson for Mayor Bill de Blasio declared in a statement, “it provides the City with an additional tool to use against those seeking to turn permanent homes into illegal, short-term stay hotels. The City will enforce this and other existing laws against bad actors.” Airbnb’s spokespersons reported that they will gladly be working with the city (and other cities as well) to cut down on illegal activities and protect the housing market in whatever they can. Airbnb legal issues in New York turned into an opportunity for the business and the city to cooperate together.
What is the 2017 Airbnb law in NYC? The law prohibits from listing an entire unoccupied property for less than 30 days.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide To The Airbnb Investment Property
Similar Crisis in San Francisco
San Fran has been experiencing similar Airbnb legal issues to New York City. Housing activists claim that Airbnb is exasperating the housing market, which is already tight enough. Meanwhile, tenants claim that Airbnb has helped them gain the extra income they need. So, it’s a double-edged sword. Airbnb is trying to work with all cities, like they are with New York, to see how they continue without tightening the housing market.
Some San Francisco Airbnb legal issues cleared up at the end of last year (2016) when the San Francisco mayor vetoed against a legislation that would have limited all short-term rentals to a strict 60 days per year maximum. Enforcement of such a law would be quite difficult to do, which is why the mayor opted for vetoing against it. While some people are still fighting Airbnb and short-term rentals, Airbnb continues to be cooperative with the cities.
What is the 2017 Airbnb law in San Francisco? Landlords can rent out their entire property for 90 days per year. They can also continue to rent our short-term rentals for the entire year as long as they remain in the property.
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Related Article: Buying Investment Properties in San Francisco
Party Animals in Nashville Cause Airbnb Legal Issues
Besides worrying about tightening the already tight housing market, Nashville Airbnb critics are annoyed because of loud, “out-of-control” vacationers. Airbnb legals issues emerge from those who rent out an entire property are disrupting the neighborhoods with their overly loud partying habits.
Leigh Ann Rodd, a Nashville resident, shows the Nashville commissioners a picture of six naked guests engaging in sexual activities in a short-term rental next to her house. Needless to say, the guests could have been a lot more discreet and this kind of behavior disrupts residents’ daily lives. According to Tim Weeks, president of the Donelson-Hermitage Neighborhood Association,“A war has literally broken out among people who live there and these short-term rentals — the noise the parking issues, it’s insufferable! It’s like living next to an Animal House.”
The battle between tenants and residents has been ongoing for a few years, but there hasn’t been any actual legislation to help the situation. A word of advice if you’re interested in obtaining an Airbnb investment property, set strict rules to avoid annoying neighbors. Make sure whoever you’re hosting doesn’t disrupt the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. Communicate with your neighbors. This will come a long way in your business, you don’t want to make any enemies along the way. Instead, you want to keep any possible connections and gain a healthy, positive reputation!
What is 2017 Airbnb Laws in Nashville? There are several laws but not easily being enforced. (Make sure you still follow them!) One law includes a cap on the amount of guests, who are limited to staying for less than 30 days.
Note: Click here to search your area and see how Airbnb rentals are performing there!
Arlington Legalizes Airbnb
While cities like New York City, San Francisco, and Nashville are having some Airbnb legal issues, other areas are encouraging it. Arlington County passed a law last month that legalizes short-term rentals.
With that being said, the Arlington 2017 Airnb laws limits entire home rental for 185 days per year. Owners can only rent their primary residential area, and there’s a cap on maximum six overnight guests per night.
Related Article: The Trend of Legalizing Airbnb Rentals
The Bottom Line…
Airbnb legal issues are sensitive. This is not to scare you away from investing in Airbnb properties. Instead, it’s a reminder of how important doing research on legal regulations is important before investing in an Airbnb property. Before deciding on an area, make sure you research the the Airbnb laws there extensively. And always make sure you’re not vexing any neighbors!
Check out Mahsvisor to find the best places to have an Airbnb investment property.