The new law has caused a stir among airbnb hosts
Photo by Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine
New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill last week that fines Airbnb hosts who advertise or rent out unoccupied apartments for less than 30 days reports The NY Times.
Despite heavy opposition from Airbnb, Cuomo signed the bill that would incur fines of up to $7500 if hosts are caught listing property on rental websites.
Hourse after the bill was signed, Airbnb filed a federal lawsuit stating that the law would cause irreparable harm.
In the lawsuit, the company argued that it could not be held accountable for content published by users on their website. It also says that law violates it’s right to free speech and due process.
According to NY Times, the federal lawsuit follows other suits filed against San Francisco and Santa Monica, California which have also moved to fine the company for illegal listings.
New York is the company’s largest market in the U.S.
Other countries have also issued fines for illegal rentals under Airbnb such as Amsterdam, and Spain. In Thailand, officials have also warned condominium owners and people looking to purchase condos in Thailand from renting out apartments on Airbnb as it might violate the Hotel Act according to Bangkok Post.
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