It's still illegal to convert rental units into short-term rentals that act as a hotel business in Washington, D.C. A high-profile legal settlement will thus send a bumper crop of rental units back to the market.
Ian Elder reports on a court decision in Washington, D.C. that deals a blow to landlords that take housing units off the rental market and renting to tourists instead—a move which evades D.C.'s rent control law
"Attorney General Karl Racine accused Ginosi USA Corporation of converting dozens of apartments in four DC apartment buildings into 'the functional equivalent of hotel rooms' and renting them using its own website (not Airbnb, but with a similar business model)," explains Elder of the lawsuit. Several other companies were also named in the lawsuit.
After a settlement reported on Attorney General Racine's website, "dozens of rent-controlled apartments will now be restored to the market and the landlord will pay $210,000 in restitution."
The article includes more detail about the lawsuit and the legal precedents which protect rental properties in Washington, D.C. While the settlement is one victory for rental housing over short-term rentals, some of the parties named in the lawsuit are still battling the issue in court. Meanwhile, Washington, D.C. councilmembers are considering legislation that would "address this issue systematically by streamlining the regulatory rules for short-term rentals and by adding reliable enforcement mechanisms."
FULL STORY: DC wins a big victory against landlords who convert housing to Airbnb-like hotels
D.C. Passes Short-Term Rental Regulations
The District of Columbia has approved final regulations for short-term rentals like Airbnb that limit rentals to owner-operated units and cap vacation rentals at 90 days.
Local Resistance to Short-Term Rentals Goes National
As more cities grapple with the growth of short-term rentals, trends in regulation are beginning to emerge.
3,000 Units Removed From Airbnb in Vancouver After New Rules Take Effect
New regulations for short-term rentals in Vancouver, British Columbia, are designed to return units to the rental market.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)