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SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

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Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#61

Post by dvtrn »

toomuchtodo wrote: post #55
zandl wrote: post #51

There are essentially Airbnb hotels in Seattle too (e.g. JMFM+R8 Seattle, Washington), I wonder if they’re in violation as well.

You could find out if interested (Department of Finance and Administrative Services contact info on that page, who regulates short term [ie AirBnB] accommodations). http://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-renta...

This actually sounds like it could make for a really interesting endeavor in open records requesting for anyone who geeks off on that sort of thing (looks around...oh wait I guess that's me).

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#62

Post by msie »

thatfrenchguy wrote: post #59
jonthepirate wrote: post #57

Rather than putting restrictions on what private people can do with their property, I'm starting to think the city should consider bulldozing some of the GG park to put up affordable housing or renting it out for cheap to those who need it where the city of San Francisco would be the landlord.

Yeah what a great idea to destroy one of the city's great landmark.

It's actually a good idea if viewed as a coercion tactic.

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#63

Post by zjaffee »

nostromo wrote: post #19

> “This is a win for San Francisco residents,” Herrera said. “Whether you’re a tenant or a landlord who has been following the law, this is a victory. This outcome frees up more homes for long-term tenants and stops unfair competition in the marketplace. The serious financial penalty is an important deterrent. It sends a clear message to those looking to illegally profit off of San Francisco’s housing crisis: Don’t t…

Building housing isn't the solution to solving the problem created by airbnb, as most airbnb units would be competing for tenants towards the bottom of the market, and would likely be rent controlled, when compared to new housing that competes for tenants at the top of the market.

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#64

Post by seattle_spring »

ppeetteerr wrote: post #42

Airbnb is suing NY right now because the city wants the names and addresses of those who are illegally renting without registering their apartments. I believe it's called "disruption"

So you also support Facebook giving up names and addresses to law enforcement?

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#65

Post by toomuchtodo »

dvtrn wrote: post #61
toomuchtodo wrote: post #55

Earlier quoted context omitted.

You could find out if interested (Department of Finance and Administrative Services contact info on that page, who regulates short term [ie AirBnB] accommodations). http://www.seattle.gov/business-regulations/short-term-renta...

This actually sounds like it could make for a really interesting endeavor in open records requesting for anyone who geeks off on that sort of thing ( looks around ...oh wait I guess that's me).

I look forward to your results!

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#66

Post by eridius »

jonthepirate wrote: post #57

Rather than putting restrictions on what private people can do with their property, I'm starting to think the city should consider bulldozing some of the GG park to put up affordable housing or renting it out for cheap to those who need it where the city of San Francisco would be the landlord.

Zoning regulations are over a century old.

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#67

Post by hamandcheese »

> As part of city law, San Francisco requires property owners renting out units for less than 30 days to register with the city’s office of short-term rentals, as well as be a permanent resident of that unit.

As far as I can tell, AirBnb is blatantly complicit in allowing renters to violate this law. When I moved to SF I stayed in an AirBnb for a few weeks. It didn't occur to me when I booked that it could have been an illegal operation. Once I became aware, I looked up the public records and, lo and behold, there was no short term rental permit.

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#68

Post by ihm »

jonthepirate wrote: post #57

Rather than putting restrictions on what private people can do with their property, I'm starting to think the city should consider bulldozing some of the GG park to put up affordable housing or renting it out for cheap to those who need it where the city of San Francisco would be the landlord.

One never has absolute dominion over their property in the way you’re framing it, nor should they. The city has a right put restrictions on how land (which really ought to be a common resource anyway!) is used.

Re: SF fines two landords $2.25M for illegal Airbnb rentals

#70

Post by torgian »

Personally, I see no problem with Airbnb and I think the government forcing you to be licensed is bad.

Airbnb has a review system for a reason. If it’s a shitty place, you write a review and other people will be less inclined to rent.

I’ve been in hotels that were shitty and licensed. I’ve been in airbnb rentals that were cheaper and better taken care of. I’ve also been in great hotels and shitty Airbnb’s.

How is suing two property owners a win for city licensed landlords? Are they getting the 2+million? No? Oh the city is getting it for “reasons” and calling it a win.

Stupid.

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