On Monday, KarryOn reported on a recent move by New York City that makes it illegal for anyone to even advertise their place on Airbnb for 30 days or less if they aren’t themselves residing in the property.
And it was a development that has cast another dagger through the heart of the online lodging platform, who are now embroiled in at least two major law suits to overturn legislation that impacts their business.
It is already illegal (since 2010) for anyone to rent out their property on Airbnb for 30 days or less if they aren’t living in the place themselves in NYC, and the Big Apple isn’t the only city to place strict limitations on the popular website.
Barcelona, Berlin and Amsterdam have enforced similar legislation, and both London and Dublin are currently looking into ways to stop the harmful impact Airbnb is having on their communities.
But the Australian travel industry also has a thing or two to say on the issue, especially KarryOn readers, who made their voices heard on our Facebook page. Since posting the story on Facebook, the story has reached nearly 10,000 people, received 50+ likes, 16 shares, and over 20 comments.
The comments range from concern over bookings already made in NYC on Airbnb…
To concerns over the price of accommodation in the Big Apple from this point forward.
Some commentators even likened Airbnb to the Devil –yikes!
This last comment, especially, is very concerning for hundreds – if not thousands – of Airbnb users, as it may mean they have no where to stay in the Big Apple, even though they’ve booked through the website.
It’s too early in the game to say what Airbnb’s policy will be for these bookings.
But some readers of KarryOn believe that people will still figure out a way to bypass these new laws.
In any case, stay tuned to KarryOn for further developments on what the Airbnb ban in NYC and in other places around the world will mean for you.
In the meantime, head over to our Facebook page and join the discussion!