As an ex-landlord my instinctive reaction is the same as yours - it would take a lot of increase to cover months of standing empty. On the other hand I'm not i

As an ex-landlord my instinctive reaction is the same as yours - it would take a lot of increase to cover months of standing empty. On the other hand I'm not in New York and I've no idea what regulations are in play there, so I'm happy to accept the statement at face value. I'd also suggest that Airbnb has a role to play - sometimes short term rents can deliver more return than long term. Holding back stock for this can be significant (it is in Barcelona). Now if the city invited residents to rat out their landlord for this reason, that might have less sympathy than framing it as "public health of other residents". This ostensibly puts the focus on "my health", and if some unpermitted short-term rentals get caught up by accident, well, happy days. Personally I've nothing against Airbnb - provided that it's done within what local bylaws require. "Illegal hotels" though are not really in anyone's interest. Of course all regulations reglate someone. Whether you like regulations or not depends on whether you are being regulated for or against. The sweetspot is a balance , which I agree can be hard to find.