Skip to content

Search

Latest Stories

New York City increases oversight of short-term rentals

The rules mandate hosts to register with the city for rentals under 30 days

New York City increases oversight of short-term rentals

THE NEW YORK City government implemented new regulations last week, enabling oversight of short-term rentals. These rules now mandate hosts to register with the city when renting their homes for less than 30 days, and AAHOA issued a statement supporting the law.

Under this rule as of Sept. 5, platforms such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com are required to confirm a host's registration approval before processing fees. Failing to register a rental listing could lead to penalties of up to $1,500 per transaction for these platforms, while hosts themselves face potential fines of up to $5,000.


“[The Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement]’s initial phase of Local Law 18 enforcement will focus on collaborating with the booking platforms to ensure they are using the city's verification system, that all verifications are occurring correctly, and that the platforms stop processing unverified transactions,” said the OSE’s website.

AAHOA has consistently advocated for more robust oversight of short-term rentals nationwide, it said in a statement. Earlier this year in Arkansas, legislation that sought to prohibit local governments from enacting reasonable regulations was defeated in the state legislature following advocacy by AAHOA members.

"We acknowledge the New York City government's action in addressing unregistered short-term rentals. Holding hosts and platforms accountable will improve experiences for guests and residents," said Laura Lee Blake, AAHOA president and CEO. "Given that AAHOA hotelier members in New York contribute $6.6 billion in total taxes annually, with nearly $7 million in lodging taxes alone, we support the initial penalty structure. However, to ensure the highest levels of compliance, even more stringent daily penalties might be necessary. This would level the playing field, particularly for hosts who post unauthorized or illegal listings, and especially for the platforms that profit substantially from these unregistered listings."

"Until now, online short-term vacation rental platforms have operated lodging businesses without the same tax and regulatory requirements as hotels in New York City," said Bharat Patel, AAHOA chairman.  "This week's action levels the playing field, allowing small business hotel owners to compete more fairly. We commend the New York City government for setting this standard in one of the most-visited places in the United States and encourage other localities to implement proper oversight of short-term rentals."

In August, AAHOA emphasized an arbitration ruling against Choice Hotels International for contract violations related to vendor discounts. This underscores the need for broader hotel franchising reform, which AAHOA is actively pursuing through its 12 Points of Fair Franchising.

More for you

HAMA Fall 2025 survey results

Survey: Hotels expect Q4 RevPAR gain

Summary:

  • More than 70 percent expect a RevPAR increase in Q4, according to HAMA survey.
  • Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent, up from 65 percent in spring.
  • Only 37 percent expect a U.S. recession in 2025, down from 49 percent earlier in the year.

MORE THAN 70 PERCENT of respondents to a Hospitality Asset Managers Association survey expect a 1 to 3 percent RevPAR increase in the fourth quarter. Demand is the top concern, cited by 77.8 percent of respondents, up from 65 percent in the spring survey.

Keep ReadingShow less
The Boxer Boston hotel sold by Hersha Hotels to Eurostars Hotels for $23.6 million
Photo Credit: The Boxer Boston

Hersha sells ‘Boxer Boston’ to Eurostars

Summary:

  • Hersha Hotels & Resorts sold The Boxer Boston to Eurostars Hotels.
  • The company acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million.
  • The property now sold for $23.6 million.

HERSHA HOTELS & RESORTS sold The Boxer Boston, an 80-room hotel in Boston’s West End, to Eurostars Hotels, part of Spain’s Grupo Hotusa. The company, which reportedly acquired the property in 2012 for $12.6 million, received $23.6 million for it.

Keep ReadingShow less
Peachtree Group Inc. 5000 2025

Peachtree receives two recognitions

Summary:

  • Peachtree recognized by Inc. and the Atlanta Business Chronicle.
  • Named to the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third year.
  • Chronicle’s Pacesetter Awards recognize metro Atlanta’s fastest-growing companies.

PEACHTREE GROUP ENTERED the 2025 Inc. 5000 list for the third consecutive year. The company also won the Atlanta Business Chronicle Pacesetter Awards as one of the city’s fastest-growing private companies.

Keep ReadingShow less
Olympic Wage ordinance 2028
Photo credit: Unite Here Local 11

Petition fails to stop L.A. hotels wage increase

Summary:

  • Failed petition clears way for Los Angeles “Olympic Wage” to reach $30 by 2028.
  • L.A. Alliance referendum fell 9,000 signatures short.
  • AAHOA calls ruling a setback for hotel owners.

A PETITION FOR a referendum on Los Angeles’s proposed “Olympic Wage” ordinance, requiring a $30 minimum wage for hospitality workers by the 2028 Olympic Games, lacked sufficient signatures, according to the Los Angeles County Registrar. The ordinance will take effect, raising hotel worker wages from the current $22.50 to $25 next year, $27.50 in 2027 and $30 in 2028.

Keep ReadingShow less
TBO acquires Classic Vacations

India's TBO to buy U.S. Classic Vacations for $125M

Summary:

  • India-based TBO will acquire U.S. wholesaler Classic Vacations for up to $125 million.
  • The deal combines TBO’s distribution platform with Classic’s advisor network.
  • Classic will remain independent while integrating TBO’s global inventory and digital tools.

TRAVEL BOUTIQUE ONLINE, an Indian travel distribution platform, will acquire U.S. travel wholesaler Classic Vacations LLC from Phoenix-based The Najafi Cos., entering the North American market. The deal is valued at up to $125 million.

Keep ReadingShow less