A proposal in the Los Angeles mayor’s budget to expand short-term rentals is causing concern among some people who argue the plan will affect affordable housing.
A group of Angelenos, including faith leaders, gathered outside LA City Hall Tuesday to speak out against the proposal, which would temporarily allow LA homeowners to rent out their second homes.
If passed, the plan would be in effect only for the upcoming LA Olympics, set to expire at the end of 2028.
“We’re very concerned with the number of rental properties that that would take off of the market for people who live in the city,” said Rev. Jennifer Gutierrez.
The ordinance to allow short-term rentals passed in 2018, and it’s limited to people’s primary homes to be rented for up to 120 days a year. A registration number must be attached to the listings.
The LA City Department of Planning said there are currently 4,399 active home-sharing registrations in the city of LA.
One Hollywood resident wondered whether the ordinance is well enforced as it is blamed for creating public safety issues for neighbors.
“There have been shootings at these parties. Not frequently, but it’s a real problem,” Ellen Evans, who is running for state senator in her district, said.
For several years, NBC Los Angeles has spoken with Evans and others prior to the passage of the ordinance about how short-term rentals created problems with homes being used for large parties, leading to clogged streets and at times violence.
In response to the concerns, Mayor Karen Bass defended the temporary measure as it was designed to handle the influx of tourists during the Olympics.
“It expires in December 2028. Otherwise, I would be concerned about the housing supply. I’m not concerned about that for a temporary measure,” the mayor said, adding the city would ask short-term rental companies to pay required funds to the city in advance as a way of raising revenue.
Airbnb, one of the largest rental platforms, told NBCLA that it is a “committed partner” to LA.
“That’s why we have offered to provide tax revenue we already collect on behalf of hosts up front to help fund essential city programs millions of Angelenos rely on,” Justin Wesson, Airbnb Senior Public Policy Manager, California, in a statement.
The LA City Council’s Planning and Land Use committee decided to continue the consideration of the proposal, with the possibility of requiring all rental companies to their data with the city.