Poll Shows Majority of New Yorkers Oppose Airbnb
A recent survey reveals that most New Yorkers are not in favor of Airbnb accessing the city’s housing market. This poll, funded by the Hotel Games and Trade Council, indicates that 56% of respondents want to keep the home-sharing app at bay, despite Airbnb’s $5 million investment into a political action committee to influence local elections.
Whitney Who, director of Church’s United’s Civic Engagement and Research for Fair Housing, commented, “New Yorkers aren’t falling into Airbnb’s lies.” She added that many families are struggling to remain in their homes, hoping politicians will pass legislation that makes the city more affordable.
While 38% of those surveyed expressed support for Airbnb, 6% remained undecided. The findings showed little partisan divide, with 57% of Democrats and 58% of Republicans against short-term rentals. Over 80% of participants voiced concerns regarding the housing crisis, fearing that short-term rentals could further reduce the availability of long-term housing.
Airbnb faced significant setbacks in 2023 following the city council’s passage of local law 18. Later, a bill aimed at reviving the short-term rental market was introduced, backed by some city council members. In response, Airbnb’s new Super PAC, Affordable New York, has donated over $2.1 million to support 13 candidates, including 11 from the City Council.
Additionally, the company allocated $1 million for ads opposing certain mayoral candidates. These ads, aired earlier this month, even managed to reference the interests of former governor Andrew Cuomo, who has a history of opposing unregulated short-term rentals.
Michael Blaustein, Airbnb’s Head of Policy, expressed an optimistic view of the situation. He stated, “Normal New Yorkers deserve the same rights as all Americans,” and emphasized a coalition of homeowners and small businesses supporting reasonable changes to the city’s stringent short-term rental regulations, which he believes could permit sharing without adversely impacting long-term housing availability.
