What New York City’s new Airbnb rules mean for travellers

Starting in early September, New York City will begin enforcing restrictions on short-term rentals that could push visitors away from booking platforms such as Airbnb and into the arms of hotels – or New Jersey.

No more than two paying guests can stay in a short-term rental at a time, no matter the size of the dwelling or the number of bedrooms.

Hosts must be physically present while their properties are being rented.

Hosts and visitors must leave the doors inside the dwelling unlocked, so occupants can access the entire unit.

“In my opinion, what they’re doing in New York is basically shutting down Airbnb,” said Lisa Grossman, a travel agent who for years has used short-term rental platforms to list an apartment in her Manhattan home. “People who want to stay in apartments don’t want to be roommates with somebody, so there’s really no option. You are either a roommate or you’re in a hotel room. ”