San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee Proposes 120-Day Cap On Airbnb Rentals
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) – Mayor Ed Lee of San Francisco is seeking additional regulations on short-term rentals in the city, proposing that residents can't rent out their homes or rooms on Airbnb and other sites for more than 120 days a year.
Lee and Supervisor Mark Farrell introduced several proposals designed to strengthen the city's laws on short-term rentals on Tuesday.
"Many San Franciscans rent their homes on a short-term basis to earn extra income and get by in our City, but our current homesharing laws must be more clear and easier to enforce," the mayor said in a written statement. "This legislation will help keep our City more affordable for homesharers, preserve rental housing for San Franciscans, protect neighborhood character and streamline permitting and enforcement under a fair set of regulations."
Along with the 120 day cap, the officials also want to create an "Office of Short-Term Rental Administration and Enforcement" that will enforce laws on short-term rentals and provide a one stop shop for residents to apply for the city's registry.
Earlier this year, San Francisco began requiring hosts to register with the city, carry liability insurance and pay the 14 percent hotel tax. City laws also require hosts to live in the unit for at least nine months a year.
In Feburary, Airbnb agreed to pay millions in back taxes to the city.
