Airbnb Advocates for More Lenient Short-Term Rental Regulations in New York, Two Years Post-Crackdown

New York City has long been a bustling hub for tourism, drawing nearly 63 million visitors in 2024, which generated over $74 billion in economic impact. The city stands as the second-largest tourism market globally, following only London. Amidst this backdrop, the regulations governing short-term rentals have become a contentious topic, particularly following the implementation of Local Law 18 (LL18) in September 2023. In its wake, a new proposal has emerged: Intro. 1107. This article examines the evolving narrative surrounding short-term rental regulations, the implications of these changes, and how the story resonates far beyond New York City.

From Local Law 18 to Intro. 1107: A Regulatory Shift in New York’s Short-Term Rentals

When Local Law 18 took effect, it imposed sweeping restrictions that effectively obliterated most short-term rental listings in the city—reducing them by over 90%. The law made it illegal to rent entire units for less than 30 days, mandating that a permanent resident must be physically present during the rental. Additionally, there was a cap on the number of guests at two. The stated intent of these regulations was to alleviate the housing crisis by freeing up units for long-term residents.

However, the law’s consequences have sparked a heated debate. Initially championed as a means to enhance housing affordability, LL18 is now scrutinized for its real-world effects. Critics point out that despite the law’s rigorous enforcement, rents have continued to rise, and hotel prices have surged, indicating that the promised relief has failed to materialize. This sentiment is echoed by a coalition of Airbnb and its partners, who argue that LL18 disproportionately affected marginalized communities, particularly Black and Latino neighborhoods, while simultaneously delivering no tangible benefits in terms of affordability.

In late 2024, the introduction of Intro. 1107 emerged from a group of City Council members, sparking renewed discussion regarding short-term rentals. This new proposal, framed as a set of “modest reforms,” aims to enable primary homeowners to legally rent out their units while away, thus providing potential income without removing housing from the market. The reforms sought under Intro. 1107 highlight the sensitive balancing act between regulation and the economic realities facing homeowners.

Main Features of Intro. 1107

The proposed changes under Intro. 1107 can be summarized as follows:

• Allow homeowners in 1–2 family dwellings to rent while away: This change would allow primary residents to rent out their spaces without needing to be present, providing them flexibility.
• Raise guest cap from 2 to 4: This amendment would increase the number of short-term guests permitted in a home at one time, enabling families and small groups to stay together.
• Clarify “common household” rules: Hosts would need to provide guests reasonable access to shared areas while preserving the privacy of personal spaces like bedrooms and offices.
• Maintain key safeguards: Despite these changes, regulations regarding registration and limits on commercial operators would remain intact, ensuring the law does not revert to pre-LL18 conditions.

These changes, rooted in the need for economic opportunity, particularly for homeowners from historically underrepresented communities, resonate with many advocates who feel that the original LL18 law stifled their ability to earn an income. The shifting political dynamics spotlight a growing acknowledgment of the contribution short-term rentals can make to a vibrant city economy.

The Case For and Against Intro. 1107: A Community Divided

As the debate intensifies, the perspectives on Intro. 1107 vary significantly among stakeholders. On one side, supporters—including Airbnb and a coalition of civil rights organizations—argue that LL18 has failed to lower rents or improve vacancy rates. Instead, they maintain that the law has adversely affected small businesses and homeowners who rely on short-term rental income to manage rising living costs.

Supporters of Intro. 1107 assert that the legislation is essential for fostering economic stability in neighborhoods where homeownership serves as a critical pillar of wealth building. Additionally, they express concerns regarding the impact of stringent regulations on local small businesses that thrive from tourist traffic, suggesting that by reducing the number of available short-term rentals, LL18 has inadvertently hindered community economic vitality.

Opposition to the Proposed Reform

Conversely, critics, including tenant rights advocates, argue that Intro. 1107 represents a regression in tenant protections. They caution that reinstating the ability for homeowners to prioritize short-term rentals could incentivize property owners to favor tourists over long-term residents. As stakeholders rally against the bill, concerns grow that these changes could destabilize housing markets already under strain. More than 300 tenants and advocates recently gathered to voice their opposition to the reforms at a rally outside City Hall, stressing the risks of igniting renewed speculative pressure on housing and reiterating the need for robust tenant protections.

Highlighted concerns include:

• Potential prioritization of tourists over long-term tenants.
• Reversion to conditions prior to LL18, with increased housing instability.
• Increase in housing costs, contrasting the claims of ensuring affordability.

This ongoing tussle between proponents and opponents underscores a larger struggle within the city—a battle between preserving affordable housing options while simultaneously recognizing the economic contributions of short-term rentals.

Airbnb’s Lobbying Efforts: Shaping New York’s Future

Airbnb’s presence in the political landscape has grown substantially, as the company has committed $5 million to support candidates in the New York’s 2025 elections, becoming the city’s largest political spender. The establishment of a SuperPAC funded by Airbnb further demonstrates its proactive role in shaping the narrative surrounding short-term rentals. With the launch of $1 million in attack ads targeting mayoral candidates who are critical of short-term rental frameworks, Airbnb is asserting its influence as a pivotal player in the ongoing legislative discourse.

This escalation in political investment coincides with a broader strategy by Airbnb to position itself as a key partner in addressing housing challenges. In September 2025, Airbnb announced a multi-year, $1 million partnership with Neighborhood Housing Services of NYC to provide financial counseling and support services aimed at homeowners navigating foreclosure risks. This messaging aligns with Airbnb’s effort to mitigate criticism related to housing shortages and position itself as a solution-oriented organization.

The Impact of Strategic Partnerships

Airbnb’s partnerships with civil rights groups and local chambers of commerce serve as a substantial coalition, advocating for policies that resonate with the needs of various stakeholders. By framing their narrative around housing stability and economic opportunity, Airbnb seeks to highlight its role in fostering equitable solutions. The shared narrative finds its roots in advocating for marginalized homeowners affected by restrictive regulations such as LL18 and directly confronts the obstacles different communities face in maintaining neighborhood vibrancy.

These strategic initiatives signal a potential shift toward collaboration rather than confrontation, emphasizing the need for nuanced solutions that can accommodate economic and housing concerns simultaneously. Notably, civil rights organizations including the NAACP have joined the conversations, reinforcing a united front advocating for inclusive reforms.

Organization	Role
Airbnb	Advocate for short-term rental reforms and economic partnerships
NAACP	Support for Black and Latino homeowners
New York Urban League	Promotion of equitable housing policies

Global Implications of New York’s Short-Term Rental Regulations

New York City serves as a critical test case for regulatory approaches to short-term rentals. As policymakers around the world observe this evolving landscape, the outcomes of Intro. 1107 may influence strategies in cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, and beyond. Many jurisdictions grappling with similar challenges of housing affordability and tourism impact will closely watch to see how this highly contentious debate unfolds.

Lessons from New York for Global Markets

The nature of regulation is fluid, often subject to sweeping changes in response to public sentiment and economic needs. The dynamics surrounding short-term rentals in New York underscore the necessity for stakeholders within the sector to remain agile and responsive to the regulatory climate. Managers and property owners outside New York should consider the following strategies:

• Be prepared for potential regulation shifts: The rapid response to LL18 illustrates how quickly the narrative can change.
• Engage with community and tenant groups: Positive testimonials about responsible operations can contribute to more favorable regulations.
• Position short-term rentals as part of the solution: Aligning the narrative with broader affordability and equity goals can bolster the legitimacy of the sector.

As the discussions surrounding Intro. 1107 continue, the outcomes of New York’s policies will not merely define the city’s future but may also set precedents for other markets facing similar dilemmas.

Understanding the Ongoing Changes and Their Implications

The unfolding story of short-term rental regulations in New York embodies heightened sensitivities in housing markets across the globe. As Airbnb fights for more lenient regulations following LL18, it reflects wider economic trends and community desires that include maintaining housing access while supporting local economies.

The political dynamics surrounding Intro. 1107 demonstrate a model of advocacy that transcends pure organizational interest, presenting opportunities for collaboration among diverse groups aimed at solving shared problems. This model may very well inspire similar movements in urban landscapes worldwide.

As New York braves the crossroads of short-term rental regulation, the outcomes of this debate could yield significant lessons for property managers, communities, and legislators alike, creating a multifaceted dialogue that incorporates the views of homeowners, tenants, and economic stakeholders. New York’s evolving narrative will likely continue to provoke engagement and analysis in conversations surrounding housing and tourism regulations long into the future.