Airbnb facing backlash in its hometown of San Francisco
The popular traveler site Airbnb is facing opposition in its hometown. 聽
Proposition F on the Nov. 3 San Francisco ballot would require hosting companies, such as Airbnb, to limit short-term rentals by homeowners to only 75 days a year. This measure would represent a big change from the current system, where some homeowners are turning their properties into exclusively short-term rentals.聽
In what used to be a win-win for landlords and vacationers, a shrinking housing market in San Francisco has since created tension between the home sharing site and local homeowners.聽
鈥淲e have the worst housing crunch this city has suffered since the 1906 earthquake 鈥� ,鈥� Dale Carlson, a San Francisco media consultant and author of the proposition, told The Wall Street Journal. 鈥淪o to lose housing units for tourist accommodations 鈥� it is just insanity.鈥�
But Airbnb also says they are serving San Francisco鈥檚 best interests by raising $12 million for the city in hotel taxes. Opponents of Proposition F also argue that homeowners ought to be at liberty to do what they want with their own property, and that Airbnb has actually helped them stay afloat in the expensive San Francisco area.
鈥淭his initiative, at the end of the day, is an , who share their homes to help make ends meet,鈥� Chris Lehane, Airbnb鈥檚 head of global policy and public affairs, told The Wall Street Journal. 鈥淗ome-sharing in this city is a lifeline for thousands.聽
Supporters of Mr. Carlson鈥檚 perspective say the online home-sharing process is removing much needed affordable housing options from the city. Average asking rent for a studio apartment in the city is according to RealFacts, a real estate data company.
But those agreeing with Mr. Lehane and Airbnb, say short-term rentals provide homeowners with much needed income and more visitors to San Francisco contribute tourism revenue and tax dollars. According to Land Econ Group, Airbnb visitors 聽 to the city alone.
鈥淭his is definitely a fight that representative of the anxiety that exists here ,鈥� Sam Lauter, a San Francisco lobbyist, told the Associated Press.聽
To defend themselves against Proposition F supporters, Airbnb installed throughout the city ads that some characterized as "passive aggressive." But the company immediately got backlash from the public and even . Some examples of the ads include, 鈥淒ear Recreation and Parks, We hope some of the $12 million in hotel taxes keeps this park clean. Love, Airbnb,鈥� and 鈥淒ear Public Works, We hope you use some of the $12 million in hotel taxes to build a bike lane here. Love, Airbnb.鈥�
After the criticism Airbnb received, the company has been issuing incessant apologies. 鈥淭he intent was to show the hotel tax contribution from our hosts and guests, which is ,鈥� Christopher Nulty, the company鈥檚 spokesman, said in a statement. 鈥淚t was the wrong tone and we apologize to anyone who was offended. These ads are being taking down immediately.鈥�
