Airbnb to Enforce Limits on Time Stayed at London, Amsterdam Rentals

For the first time, Airbnb has agreed to enforce time limits for two of the biggest rental markets in Europe: London and Amsterdam.

Previously, Airbnb said it didn't have the resources to police violations of a city’s ordinances that limit people from renting out their homes for more than a certain number of days each year, The Wall Street Journal reported. London’s limit is currently 90 days per year, and Amsterdam’s is 60.

The change comes as regulators put pressure on Airbnb to abide by the same rules other rental companies follow, including rental limits, noise complaints, and payment of applicable local taxes on room and home rentals.

Airbnb has let renters in these markets know they will be blocked on Airbnb’s system if they exceed the limits imposed by their respective cities, according to the WSJ.

New York and San Francisco also have cracked down on the use of the rental service, and Airbnb is reportedly in negotiations with both cities to enforce one host, one home policies there, according to the Financial Times.

Additionally, the rental company is increasing the number of markets in which it will collect and remit taxes on rental income from 200 to 700.

While the Airbnb wants to make home sharing simple and as free from regulation as possible, it may be beginning to recognize that it shares some functioning with hotels and other forms of regulated rental housing and must meet those requirements as well. The company has said it wants to “ensure home sharing grows responsibly and sustainably,” the Financial Times said.

• Elizabeth Warren: Airbnb a Top ‘Sharing Economy’ Target
  
• Attorney General: Airbnb Rentals in NYC Are Overwhelmingly Illegal