If you have ever dreamt of waking up in a cozy Brooklyn loft, sipping artisanal coffee in a Manhattan penthouse, or experiencing the vibrant energy of New York City from a local's perspective, you might want to act fast.

Airbnb, the platform that brought the sharing economy to the masses, is on the verge of packing its bags and leaving the Big Apple in the dust. What is driving this impending exodus? A new law, Local Law 18, is shaking up the short-term rental scene in New York City.

The showdown between Airbnb and the city that never sleeps has been building for years. City officials have been receiving thousands of complaints about illegal short-term rentals, leading to a legislative crackdown. The result? Airbnb hosts in New York City are about to face a whole new set of rules.

Max  / Pexels / Leading rental company Airbnb assumes that the new local law 18 is too much to ask for.

What Does the Local Law 18 Say?

Local Law 18, which comes into effect on September 5, 2023, is a game-changer for anyone looking to list their property on Airbnb. The law stipulates that all short-term rental hosts must jump through some hoops to keep their listings live.

Here is a quick rundown of what is in store:

Registration Required

If you are considering listing your place on Airbnb, you must register it with the city. It is a bit like announcing to your neighbors that you're about to join the sharing economy.

Home Is Where the Heart Is

You can not just rent out an empty apartment and disappear into the night. Under the new law, hosts are required to live in the property they are renting out.

Host With the Most

Being a virtual host will not cut it anymore. You must be physically present when guests are staying.

GTN / Per the new rules in New York City, hosts must be physically present when hosting guests.

So, forget about remotely managing your Airbnb empire from a beach in Bali.

Only Two Guests at a Time

Hosting a party for a hundred of your closest friends? Think again. The new law caps the number of guests at two. Time to downsize that guest list!

The Dilemma of Airbnb

So, what does all of this mean for Airbnb? Well, it is a bit like a classic New York City standoff. On one side, you have Airbnb, arguing that these new rules are a knockout punch to New York's tourism economy.

They are not entirely wrong. New York has been a goldmine for Airbnb hosts, offering a steady stream of guests eager to experience the city like a local. On the other side, you have city officials who have had enough of the wild west of short-term rentals.

Max / Pexels / While Airbnb argues that the new rules are a punch in the face of tourism in New York City, officials say it is “completely rational.”

So, Airbnb Is Leaving NYC for Good?

Seemingly so! Thousands of complaints have poured in, ranging from the noise levels at all-night parties to concerns about the safety of unregulated accommodations. Local Law 18 is their attempt to regain control and ensure that a revolving door of tourists does not overrun residential neighborhoods.

For Airbnb, the timing could not be worse. The news of these impending regulations comes just as the San Francisco-based company was gearing up to join the prestigious S&P 500 on September 18. A milestone that would have solidified its position as a financial giant.

Now, they are grappling with the possibility of being shut out of one of their most lucrative markets.