AHLA enters the Airbnb debate
The largest hotel trade body in the US has added its name to growing list of voices pushing for stricter regulations for short-term housing rentals on sites such as Airbnb.
The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA) wants local governments to be transparent on occupancy tax payment and American with Disabilities Act (ADA) rules.
It is lobbying for short-term rental owners to be held to the same standards as conventional hotels, according to Vanessa Sinders, AH&LA senior vice president of governmental affairs.
"Hotels are very focused on making sure their guests are safe and secure, and all of those regulations are in place to do that," said Sinders.
"We think that should apply to everyone."
The AH&LA’s maneuver comes as three cities are in the process of deciding whether to legitimize the practice of short term lets in private homes with robust regulations, or outlaw it altogether.
The city of Portland is debating rules that would require homeowners to prove they are residents of the city, provide information to neighbors and pay a fee for a permit.
In San Francisco, there are discussions on restricting short-term rentals to certain districts and potentially offering rewards to neighbors reporting housing violations.
The New York State Attorney General recently chided Airbnb for not doing enough to prevent Airbnb hosts violating rules which forbid owners renting out their homes for less than 30 days.
"We will continue talking to policymakers about how to best preserve affordable housing and ensure that the sharing economy can continue to thrive," David Hantman head of global policy at Airbnb recently said.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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