New York, NY (July 18, 2018) - The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) president and CEO Katherine Lugar today issued the following statement in response to new short-term rental legislation passed unanimously by the New York City Council to bring strong platform accountability to the home sharing market:
 
“Today the New York City Council passed an industry-setting measure to force greater transparency and responsibility for short-term rentals while helping to protect the fabric of New York neighborhoods and preserve residents’ access to affordable housing. Municipalities large and small are following the leadership demonstrated in the Big Apple to protect their residents and take back their neighborhoods. 
 
“Today’s vote comes on the heels of a wave of cities across the country, from Boston to San Diego, who are finally saying, ‘Enough. It’s time for Airbnb to be held to the same standards, rules and regulations as every other American company – large and small.
 
“We commend New York City’s Council Members and the many local neighborhood and housing groups who have been working hard to preserve affordable housing and safe neighborhoods for the city’s workforce and hold Airbnb accountable.”

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ABOUT THE AMERICAN HOTEL & LODGING ASSOCIATION

Serving the hospitality industry for more than a century, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the 8 million jobs the U.S. lodging industry supports, including hotel owners, REITs, chains, franchisees, management companies, independent properties, bed and breakfasts, state hotel associations, and industry suppliers. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support, and educational resources for an industry that advances long-term career opportunities for employees, invests in local communities across the country and hosts more than one billion guests’ stays in American hotels every year. AHLA proudly represents a dynamic hotel industry of more than 54,000 properties that supports $1.1 trillion in U.S. sales and generates nearly $170 billion in taxes to local, state and federal governments. Learn more at www.AHLA.com.