Boston Mayor Targets Investor-Owned Rentals In Proposed Regulations On Airbnb

Boston Mayor Marty Walsh proposed an ordinance last week that would effectively ban investor-owned units in the city from being rented through sites like Airbnb.

Airbnb told WBUR in a statement last week that the proposal “violates federal laws, harms middle class Bostonians, and doesn't fully consider input from the thousands of families already using home sharing to pay the bills.”

The mayor's office told WBUR in a statement today:

"Thoughtful regulation of short-term rentals that balance our efforts to preserve housing affordability with the growing demand for short-term rentals is key to keeping our communities stable. Boston is a great place to live and visit, and we look forward to responsibly incorporating the growth of the home-share industry into our work to create affordable housing options for all."

Andrew Skalaban, founder of the Boston Host Alliance, which represents short-term rental operators and service providers in Boston and tweets @bosstr4life.

Lydia Edwards, city councilor for District 1 representing East Boston, the North End, and Charlestown. She tweets @lydiamedwards.