Statement From Senator Krueger On Governor Cuomo Signing Illegal Hotel Advertising Ban

New York – State Senator Liz Krueger released the following statement today in response to Governor Cuomo signing into law A8704/S6340, which would prohibit the advertising of illegal short-term rentals, including posting on web platforms like Airbnb:

"Today is a great day for tenants, seniors, and anyone who values the safe and quiet enjoyment of their homes and neighborhoods. It is also a huge victory for regular New Yorkers over the interests of a thirty-billion dollar corporation.  For too long companies like Airbnb have encouraged illegal activity that takes housing off the market and makes our affordability crisis worse.  They have sat idly by while unwitting "hosts" are evicted for breaking their leases, unscrupulous landlords drive out tenants to profit off the short-term market, and tourists are put in danger by staying in unregulated, unaccountable, and often dangerous illegal hotels.

"In spite of Airbnb's misleading statements to the contrary, those who want to legally use sites like Airbnb -- for example by renting out a spare room while they remain in residence -- are still free to do so, as they have always been. But those who are breaking our laws and disrupting their neighbors and communities will now face stiffer penalties.

"I thank Governor Cuomo for signing this bill today, and congratulate Assemblymember Rosenthal and my Senate colleagues for standing up for the needs of regular New Yorkers."
 
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