EDITOR'S COMMENT
• Airbnb's lawsuit against the City of New Orleans is not the first time it has sued a destination over stringent regulatory requirements for home-sharing platforms but it demonstrates the continuing standoff and tensions on both sides of the debate - particularly when it comes to data sharing and user accountability.
The dispute ultimately centres around regulations that will require Airbnb and similar platforms to verify that all of their properties listed in New Orleans have obtained mandatory permits from the city from June 2025 - a measure designed to increase affordable housing supply and address the proliferation of illegal rentals. Airbnb hit back in response, saying that it had no responsibility for the actions of hosts on its platform and describing the regulations as a “highly punitive enforcement regime that violates homeowners’ longstanding and fundamental property rights”.
Airbnb has previously sued San Francisco and New York City over similar regulatory stances but the cases produced differing results. The home-sharing firm reached a settlement with San Francisco [its home city] after a year-long lawsuit, but its lawsuit in the latter was dismissed and Local Law 18 restrictions remain in effect today - despite Airbnb's protests.
While Airbnb may want to collaborate with its markets on fair and proportionate regulations, it seems that cities like New Orleans have been empowered by other destinations around the world imposing severe restrictions on the short-term rental segment - Barcelona for one springs to mind. It underlines that the shortage of affordable housing is a global issue and not confined to one continent, country or city, but also that the STR segment is an easy target for regulators keen to assert their authority.
• A big congratulations to everyone who entered this year's Shortyz Awards! We have now entered into a judging period where our esteemed panel of experts will assess all of the submissions and compile shortlists according to the criteria already laid out in the awards process. We will be announcing the shortlists in mid-March before a voting period commences to determine the winners, based on a 50:50 split between judge scores and the public vote. The winners will then be unveiled at the in-person ceremony on Tuesday 1 April.
Taking place at Leonardo Royal Hotel London Tower Bridge, the sixth Shortyz Awards will bring a more formal awards ceremony, while your ticket will include a welcome drinks reception, a three-course sit down dinner + wine, the awards ceremony itself and some magical entertainment. There, we will once again come together to recognise excellence amongst industry peers, highlight innovation and industry best practice, reward achievement, and celebrate startup technology.
Tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Shortyz Awards - book your places now at this link.
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