New York city government is stepping up enforcement against illegal short-term housing rentals, with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) recently issuing warnings to landlords on platforms like Airbnb, warning that landlords using “deceptive practices” to evade the law will face stricter penalties.
According to Gothamist, the targets of this upgraded enforcement include renting out entire apartments for short periods or accommodating more than two guests at a time, all of which violate the city’s current short-term rental regulations.
Violators could face fines of up to $5,000 or lose their short-term rental registration, as stipulated by the regulations. This is part of the city government’s further action since the implementation of new laws in 2023, aimed at curbing the impact of short-term rentals on the housing market.
“We are committed to protecting the housing resources of our city, ensuring that those who truly live here have a place to stay, rather than allowing speculators to profit from our communities,” Mayor Adams said in a statement. “Illegal short-term rentals deplete permanent housing supply, drive up rents, and threaten community stability and affordability.”
The Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement stated that warnings were sent to around 500 Airbnb landlords on the 25th, accounting for one-fifth of all licensed landlords in the city. Additionally, five landlords received notices that their qualifications were about to be revoked.
According to Local Law 18 implemented in 2023, those intending to rent out residential space for less than 30 days must register with the city and may not rent out entire apartments for short periods, with a limit of two guests per stay.
Airbnb’s Public Policy Manager, Alain Xiong-Calmes, criticized Local Law 18 as overly strict, citing a company report that stringent short-term rental regulations have not effectively improved housing costs in New York City.