Gimme Shelter: New York Local Law 18

May 1, 2023

New York Local Law 18, the so-called “Anti-Airbnb Law,” was enacted by the New York City Counsel on January 9, 2023. The new law – which took effect March 6, 2023 – is aimed at reducing undesirable short-term rentals in the city, making it illegal for owners to operate short-term rentals unless the unit is registered with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement (the “OSE”). The law only applies to Class A multiple dwelling units like apartments designed to be permanent residences, exempting Class B multiple dwelling units like hotels designed for transient lodging. As the moniker indicates, the law also affects booking services like Airbnb, Vrbo, Sonder, etc. by making it illegal for them to facilitate short-term rentals for unregistered units or those no longer in good standing. The law provides for fines of up to $5,000 ($1,500 for booking services) per infraction. Enforcement of Local Law 18 will begin in July of this year.

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