BOSTON — Boston is looking to regulate short-term rentals advertised on Airbnb and other websites.
Just a week after a Boston 25 News report on short term rentals' affect on housing prices, Democratic Mayor Marty Walsh said Monday he'll file a proposed ordinance to address the issue.
His proposal will track and regulate the rentals of bedrooms, apartments or entire houses for days or weeks at a time to visitors and tourists.
The proposal requires City Council approval.
MORE: Vote on measure to limit short-term rentals in Cambridge
Walsh says his plan will deter landlords from converting too many housing units into short-term rentals. Housing advocates complain the rentals amount to unregulated hotels that exacerbate an already tight housing market.
Walsh's proposal requires short-term rental operators register with the city, pay an annual fee and limit the number of nights a unit can be booked per year.
Airbnb and other booking platforms would also be required to provide the city monthly data on rental listings.
MORE: Can't afford to live in Boston? Home rental apps may be driving up prices
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