Calif. cities starting to regulate short-term rentals
By Marisa Agha, Sacramento Bee
Millions flock to the Southern California coast each year, often renting a cottage or condo for a respite by the sea.
But the explosive growth of online travel booking sites in recent years has prompted several coastal cities to consider tightening regulations on those who rent out their homes for short stays.
While proponents of the short-term rental industry say the additional income often is vital to property owners’ livelihoods and the local economy, city leaders and neighbors want greater oversight to protect residential neighborhoods, tax revenue and the availability of housing amid a booming industry.
Debates come as a state senator has proposed a bill that would require Web-based rental sites like San Francisco-based Airbnb to provide information about properties being rented to local governments.
But there has been pushback from Airbnb, its hosts and others in the short-term rental industry who say most renters are good neighbors whose dollars boost the economy.