Boston cracks down on investor-owned short term rentals

BOSTON — The Boston City Council has passed regulations aimed at cracking down on investors who buy housing units to list on short-term rental platforms like Airbnb.

The regulations, backed by Democratic Boston Mayor Marty Walsh, would ban renters and investors from renting apartments by the night.

The regulations, which passed on an 11-2 vote Wednesday, would still allow people to rent a room in their home or a spare unit provided they own and live in the property, with some restrictions.

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Backers of the regulations say investors who buy up homes and condos to turn them into de-facto hotel rooms are making the city's tight housing market even more unaffordable for people who want to live in the city.

Airbnb said the regulations prevent Boston families from making much-needed extra income.

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Associated Press