Video: Councilor LaMattina Discusses Regulation of AirBnb and Short-Term Rentals

At this week’s meeting of the North End / Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC), City Councilor Sal LaMattina spoke about Boston’s upcoming proposal to regulate AirBnb, VRBO and other short-term rental companies in the city.

LaMattina said his goal is to limit investor properties that use AirBnb as a primary income source. The Councilor supports short term rentals in owner occupied units. His goal is to avoid absentee landlords from taking away housing stock and disrupting neighbors through the use of short-term rentals.

Mayor Walsh is expected to propose an ordinance on short-term rentals that will be debated in the City Council. LaMattina said he has not yet seen the details of the Mayor’s plan that is expected to be released in the coming weeks.

In parallel with the City’s efforts, State Rep. Aaron Michlewitz said the state legislature will propose a tax and regulation proposal for short-term rentals that will allow cities and towns to customize specific details. Governor Baker has proposed a 5.7% room occupancy tax, similar to that required for hotels.

View the above video for the full discussion on short-term rental regulation.

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