😮 New restrictions on Airbnb and short-term rentals will impact travellers to NYC

For those of you who prefer to stay in a holiday flat rather than a hotel, there's bad news: in New York City, a law which was passed in 2021 will come into force next week, which is supposed to re-regulate the market for holiday flats. A lawsuit filed by Airbnb was dismissed by a state judge a few days ago.

What is the new law?

• Short-term rentals, i.e. stays of less than 30 consecutive days, are now only allowed if the hosts are present themselves - and in the same flat or unit.

• No more than two paying guests may be accommodated.

• In addition, all hosts must register in New York.

When does this apply?

5 September 2023.

What are the penalties?

Landlords face fines of up to $5000 per violation.

Does this only apply to Airbnb?

No, other platforms, such as Booking.com, are also not allowed to make bookings for unregistered landlords and landladies in New York.

What happens to existing bookings?

Unclear. It is best to contact your landlord or landlady as soon as possible.

There are already restrictions on short-term rentals in Barcelona, London, Paris, San Francisco, Seattle, Singapore, Tokyo and Vancouver, as well as in Berlin, Hamburg and Munich. They are also being discussed in Italy.

Do you agree with these new laws and restrictions on short-term rentals?