WASHINGTON—For many, Airbnb is the bugaboo of the hospitality industry. On behalf of hoteliers everywhere, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has sought to shine a light on the major concerns growing out of the popularity of home-sharing websites—specifically, “illegal hotels,” the lack of oversight and adherence to regulations and taxes, as well as the potential degradation of residential communities as a result. The association is not alone in this fight.

The progressive nonprofit American Family Voices has taken an aggressive watchdog stance against the deleterious aspects of short-term rental websites for homeowners and local communities.

Through its project AirbnbWatch, the goal is to “bring together a collection of organizations dedicated to a common goal: Protect communities and travelers by exposing commercial operators who use sites like Airbnb to run illegal hotels in residential properties under the radar and by making sure all hotel businesses play by the same rules,” according to the organization’s website.......Cont.