A surge in anti-tourism sentiment in popular destinations like Barcelona and Maui has fueled a wave of new legislation targeting short-term vacation rentals. This crackdown on short-term rentals is not a new phenomenon, but it is gaining momentum across the globe. Daniel Guttentag, an associate professor at the College of Charleston and director of the school’s Office of Tourism Analysis, noted a snowball effect as more cities are regulating short-term rentals more aggressively and effectively. Policymakers are becoming more skilled in handling Airbnb and its impact on housing.
Barcelona recently announced plans to ban short-term apartment rentals by the end of 2028, affecting over 10,000 apartments‘ short-term rental licenses. Similarly, Maui is planning to eliminate a significant share of the island’s short-term rentals, with a proposal that could eliminate over 7,000 rentals out of more than 13,600 on the island. These regulations aim to boost housing affordability and supply by transforming short-term rentals into long-term housing inventory.
While regulating short-term rentals offers a quick solution to increase housing supply, experts caution against expecting it to solve all housing affordability challenges. Guttentag highlights the negative impact of Airbnb on housing costs but notes that its actual impact on rent is relatively small. Similarly, Madeline List mentions a New York study attributing only 9% of the citywide rent increase to Airbnb, raising questions about the other contributing factors.
New York has intensified its enforcement of short-term rental restrictions with new legislation focusing on mandatory host registration. However, Airbnb has criticized the city’s approach, claiming that it has not achieved its desired outcomes. The company advocates for reasonable and balanced regulations that benefit both cities and hosts. Guttentag predicts more locations will follow the footsteps of New York and Barcelona in cracking down on short-term rentals to address housing affordability.
While short-term rental regulations may ease housing costs, they are unlikely to resolve all affordability issues. The impact of such restrictions can vary significantly by destination, depending on the nature of the rental properties and the local housing market. While some cities may benefit from these measures, it is essential to consider the broader housing strategies needed to ensure long-term housing affordability for residents.
Napsat komentář