Los Angeles’ proposed ordinance to regulate short-term rentals through companies like Airbnb is back in the spotlight today as the L.A. City Council’s Planning and Land Use Management Committee will continue its discussion over the particulars of the ordinance and exactly how these rental properties should be regulated.
One of the core issues of the discussion is exactly how long hosts should be allowed to rent out all or part of their homes. The ordinance as currently proposed would cap the number of days per year at 180. AirBnB hosts argue their livelihoods depend on their ability to rent out rooms or homes. But others say the number of short-term rentals that are being offered is severely cutting into the amount of available, affordable housing in L.A. and impacting certain neighborhoods' quality of life.
The city of Los Angeles says it could rake in approximately $30 million a year from taxes after it struck a three year deal with AirBnB in 2016 for it to pay hotel taxes for its hosts.
Guest:
Emily Alpert Reyes, reporter covering City Hall for the Los Angeles Times