> In fact, Airbnb worked with economist Tom Davidoff of the University of British Columbia and found that Airbnb has affected the price of housing in SF by less

> In fact, Airbnb worked with economist Tom Davidoff of the University of British Columbia and found that Airbnb has affected the price of housing in SF by less than 1% either up or down. Airbnb commissioned this economist[1]. That doesn't necessarily mean his conclusions aren't credible, but commissioned research that supports the agenda of the company that commissioned it should be subject to a higher level of scrutiny. Is there any independent research Altman can cite? > Unfortunately, a lot of other people have problems paying their rent or mortgage. 75% of Airbnb hosts in San Francisco say that their income from Airbnb helps them stay in their homes, and 60% of the Airbnb income goes to rent/mortgage and other housing expenses. Making it harder to share your home in San Francisco may make it impossible for some of these hosts to afford to stay in their homes and in this city. What about their neighbors? If I'm paying good money to rent an apartment or I shell out big bucks for a new condo, why should I be forced to live in a hotel-like environment because a neighbor decides to violate the lease or association CC&Rs/bylaws? It doesn't matter how well-intentioned a host is. It's callous to have sympathy for hosts who are violating leases and condo association association CC&Rs/bylaws and no sympathy for the neighbors their selfish behavior negatively affects. [1] http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2015/03/30/airbnb-pushes-up-apartment-rents-slightly-study-says/?mod=WSJBlog http://blogs.wsj.com/developments/2015/03/30/airbnb-pushes-u...