Silver Lake is considering banning popular website Airbnb that allows people to rent out rooms in their homes for short-term rentals.

It is legal in Los Angeles, but there could be taxation issues and some residents feel it’s a safety hazard bringing in numerous “transients.” There is also a concern that this practice can devalue the property value.

The Silver Lake Neighborhood Council is considering prohibiting them in their area. In New York City earlier this year a judge ruled that these hotel-like homes were breaking the city’s “illegal hotel” law.

Would you rent out your property? Would you feel comfortable if your neighbors rented their home or apartment? Is the government taking this too far? Should Silver Lake prohibit this?

Guests:
Anne-Marie Johnson, Long-time Silver Lake resident; Representative At-Large, Silver Lake Neighborhood Council (SLNC); Board member, SLNC Urban Design & Preservation Advisory Committe

Molly Turner, Policy Director, Airbnb - a peer-to-peer sublet accommodation website; Turner is also an Urban Planner & Preservationist