In recent years, the rise of Airbnb has caused a stir in many cities around the world. Airbnb is a platform that allows people to rent out their homes or rooms to travelers, and it has been met with both praise and criticism. In some cities, local councils are now using their planning powers to try to “control” Airbnb.
The main issue that councils are trying to address is the potential for Airbnb to reduce the availability of long-term rental properties. This is because some landlords are choosing to rent out their properties on Airbnb instead of offering them for long-term rental. This can lead to an increase in rental prices, as there is less supply and more demand for rental properties.
In response, some councils have introduced restrictions on Airbnb rentals. For example, they may limit the number of nights that a property can be rented out on Airbnb, or they may require landlords to obtain a license before they can rent out their properties on the platform.
The effectiveness of these measures is debatable. Some argue that they are necessary in order to protect the housing market, while others argue that they are too restrictive and could have a negative impact on the local economy.
Ultimately, it is up to each council to decide how best to use their planning powers to address the issue of Airbnb. Some cities have chosen to embrace Airbnb and use it as an opportunity to boost tourism, while others have chosen to take a more restrictive approach. Whatever the approach, it is clear that councils are taking the issue of Airbnb seriously and are looking for ways to ensure that it does not have a negative impact on their local housing markets.