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Airbnb didn't create demand for housing that didn't exist. People really want to rent places that aren't hotels for short periods. Is that madness? Cities tryi

Airbnb didn't create demand for housing that didn't exist. People really want to rent places that aren't hotels for short periods. Is that madness? Cities trying to clamp down on Airbnb are just shooting themselves in the foot again along with NIMBY housing regulations. There's incredible demand for housing in cities that isn't being met, and the cities which refuse to allow supply to rise will face the same problems and eventually lose out to more dynamic cities.

voisin 6y ago
People really want to run hair salons from their house, but zoning regulations prevent it. People really want to run daycares without licenses, but laws prevent it. People really want to house old folks without licenses, but laws prevent it. We have zoning laws, restrictive covenants, and boarding house licensing rules for a reason. If there is demand, then have a public referendum like we’ve seen for cannabis laws, overturn the legislated barriers and allow it. But right now, it is illegal in most places and consequently hammering the market for actual residents.
- greenonions 6y ago
  I would argue that Airbnb is not illegal in 'most places', and even if it were, it does not take away the demand. Similar to cannabis, it's illegality did not take away the demand. Whether there is demand is not up for debate, as there clearly is. The question lies in how it is handled. Making short-term rentals illegal will almost certainly not work. Allowing short-term rentals, and allowing enough housing to be built to accommodate them, along with those who wish to own is the only solution likely to work.
- RealityVoid 6y ago
  > People really want to run hair salons from their house, but zoning regulations prevent it. People really want to run daycares without licenses, but laws prevent it. People really want to house old folks without licenses, but laws prevent it. Maybe I'm crazy, but I see nothing wrong with any of these.

voisin 6y ago

People really want to run hair salons from their house, but zoning regulations prevent it. People really want to run daycares without licenses, but laws prevent it. People really want to house old folks without licenses, but laws prevent it. We have zoning laws, restrictive covenants, and boarding house licensing rules for a reason. If there is demand, then have a public referendum like we’ve seen for cannabis laws, overturn the legislated barriers and allow it. But right now, it is illegal in most places and consequently hammering the market for actual residents.

greenonions 6y ago
I would argue that Airbnb is not illegal in 'most places', and even if it were, it does not take away the demand. Similar to cannabis, it's illegality did not take away the demand. Whether there is demand is not up for debate, as there clearly is. The question lies in how it is handled. Making short-term rentals illegal will almost certainly not work. Allowing short-term rentals, and allowing enough housing to be built to accommodate them, along with those who wish to own is the only solution likely to work.
RealityVoid 6y ago
> People really want to run hair salons from their house, but zoning regulations prevent it. People really want to run daycares without licenses, but laws prevent it. People really want to house old folks without licenses, but laws prevent it. Maybe I'm crazy, but I see nothing wrong with any of these.