New York City, December 18, 2025
A proposed bill to expand short-term rental opportunities in New York City is unlikely to be considered at the City Council’s final meeting of the year. The legislation faced strong opposition from hotel unions and housing advocates. Introduced in late 2024, it aimed to relax existing regulations, but due to significant resistance, its prospects for 2025 are now shelved. The ongoing debate highlights the struggle between short-term rental platforms and housing availability concerns, suggesting further discussions into 2026.
New York City Council Shelves Airbnb Expansion Bill
Proposed Legislation Faces Strong Opposition
New York City – A proposed bill aiming to expand short-term rental opportunities in New York City is unlikely to be considered at the City Council’s final meeting of the year, effectively shelving its prospects for 2025. The legislation, introduced in late 2024, sought to reverse certain restrictions imposed in 2023 that limited most short-term rentals to preserve housing availability. However, the bill faced significant opposition from hotel unions and other stakeholders, leading to its probable inaction this year.
Details of the Proposed Legislation
The bill aimed to relax existing regulations by:
- Allowing more guests per rental.
- Removing the requirement for hosts to be present during guest stays.
These changes were intended to provide homeowners with greater flexibility in renting out their properties through platforms like Airbnb. The legislation was introduced in late 2024 and was scheduled for consideration during the City Council’s final meeting of the year. However, due to the lack of support and the presence of significant opposition, it is unlikely to be addressed in 2025.
Opposition and Lobbying Efforts
The proposed bill encountered substantial resistance from various groups, including hotel unions and housing advocates, who argued that relaxing these regulations could exacerbate the city’s housing affordability crisis. Additionally, the bill faced a lobbying battle, with incoming Speaker Julie Menin not supporting the measure. Despite these challenges, Airbnb plans to continue pursuing the bill in 2026, indicating a sustained effort to influence short-term rental policies in the city.
Background on Short-Term Rental Regulations in New York City
In 2023, New York City implemented Local Law 18, which imposed strict limitations on short-term rentals to protect housing availability. The law prohibited rentals of entire homes for fewer than 30 days and required hosts to be present during guest stays. These measures led to a significant decline in short-term rental listings, with Airbnb listings dropping from about 22,000 in August 2023 to roughly 2,300 by early 2024. The recent proposed bill sought to reverse some of these restrictions, but it is unlikely to advance this year due to the prevailing opposition.
Implications for the Future
The shelving of the proposed bill for 2025 suggests that significant changes to New York City’s short-term rental regulations are unlikely in the immediate future. However, the ongoing discussions and lobbying efforts indicate that the debate over balancing housing availability with the interests of short-term rental platforms and property owners will continue into 2026 and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was the proposed bill aiming to change in New York City’s short-term rental regulations?
The proposed bill aimed to relax existing regulations by allowing more guests per rental and removing the requirement for hosts to be present during guest stays, thereby providing homeowners with greater flexibility in renting out their properties through platforms like Airbnb.
Why is the proposed bill unlikely to be considered in 2025?
The bill faced significant opposition from hotel unions, housing advocates, and incoming Speaker Julie Menin, leading to its probable inaction during the City Council’s final meeting of the year.
What is Local Law 18, and how does it relate to short-term rentals in New York City?
Local Law 18, enacted in 2023, imposed strict limitations on short-term rentals in New York City to protect housing availability. It prohibited rentals of entire homes for fewer than 30 days and required hosts to be present during guest stays, leading to a significant decline in short-term rental listings.
What are the future prospects for changes to New York City’s short-term rental regulations?
While the proposed bill is unlikely to advance in 2025, ongoing discussions and lobbying efforts suggest that the debate over balancing housing availability with the interests of short-term rental platforms and property owners will continue into 2026 and beyond.
Key Features of the Proposed Legislation
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Guest Capacity | Increase in the number of guests allowed per rental. |
| Host Presence Requirement | Removal of the requirement for hosts to be present during guest stays. |
| Legislative Timeline | Introduced in late 2024, with consideration unlikely in 2025 due to opposition. |
| Opposition | Significant resistance from hotel unions, housing advocates, and incoming Speaker Julie Menin. |
| Future Plans | Airbnb plans to continue pursuing the bill in 2026. |
Now Happening on X
- @nick_garber (December 12, 2025): The City Council bill to restore Airbnb in some NYC homes was amended ahead of a potential 12/18 vote, mostly limiting its reach, but now takes effect in 6 months to coincide with the World Cup. View on X
- @HFE_NYC (December 14, 2025): NYC’s restrictive short-term rental policy under Local Law 18 has caused skyrocketing rents and strained tourism; it’s time to pass Intro 948B to address housing affordability issues. View on X
- @HFE_NYC (December 16, 2025): Hosts report turning away families due to Local Law 18 restrictions implemented two years ago; urges City Council to protect homeowners with Intro 948A. View on X
- @HFE_NYC (December 11, 2025): A NYC restaurant owner supports Intro 948B, saying it would benefit long-forgotten outer borough communities amid ongoing short-term rental debates. View on X
- @JohnHolbein1 (December 14, 2025): NYC’s Local Law 18 short-term rental ban has lowered listings, reducing rodent complaints, collisions, and crime, while improving neighborhood quality. View on X
- @TweetBenMax (December 15, 2025): Deep dive into NYC’s short-term rental market, covering laws, enforcement, and impacts on housing and tourism, featuring the head of the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. View on X
- @GoodGuyGuaranty (December 15, 2025): Highlights pitfalls of NYC Council’s short-term rental laws, noting no new hotels or Airbnbs, elaborate enforcement, and shifting rationales like housing and neighborhood character. View on X
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Governor Hochul’s Crucial Decision on AI Legislation Approaches
Business Leaders in New York Express Economic Concerns
Luxurious Hotels to Discover in New York City
New Developments in New York City’s Real Estate Market
New York City Sees Surge in Small Business Creation
New York City Faces Housing Affordability Crisis Post-LL18
Author: STAFF HERE NEW YORK WRITER
The NEW YORK STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewYork.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New York, the five boroughs, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as New York Fashion Week, Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and Tribeca Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce and United Way of New York, plus leading businesses in finance and media that power the local economy such as JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, and Bloomberg. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBuffalo.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into New York's dynamic landscape.
