Airbnb Now Legal in San Francisco

• October 8th 2014

by Lark Turner

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Airbnb has had a long run of bad news on the legal front. But that changed on Tuesday, when San Francisco — its hometown — passed the controversial “Airbnb law” that legalizes the short-term rentals for a maximum of 90 days at a time. The law passed the city’s Board of Supervisors 7-4, according to CBS affiliate KCBS.

While the law legitimizes the rentals, it also adds some requirements that may prevent less scrupulous Airbnb landlords from renting out unsafe properties, and it adds some hoops for landlords to jump through. The rentals will be taxed at the same rate as hotels, and must pay an additional fee that funds an inspector who will ensure properties’ safety.

In a statement on its website, Airbnb signaled a win.

“The legislation that moved forward tonight will give regular people the right to share the home in which they live and make it fair to share in San Francisco,” the company wrote. “This vote was a great victory for San Franciscans who want to share their home and the city they love. We look forward to working with everyone as we move forward.”

Opponents of the measure protested that it would increase San Francisco’s dearth of housing and make it even less affordable.

The new law goes into effect in February.

This article originally published at https://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/airbnb_now_legal_in_san_francisco/9068.