BOSTON – Ed Flynn, candidate for Boston City Council District 2, announced this week that if elected he will file an ordinance related to the regulation of short-term rental platforms in the City of Boston. Flynn cited the City of Cambridge’s regulation as a starting point; however, Boston must look to improve upon their ordinance to ensure that large companies are not depleting our housing stock.
“After hearing from residents throughout the district, it has become clear to me that high concentrations of corporate, short term rentals are increasing costs and driving displacement in our neighborhoods. There are public safety and quality of life issues that must be addressed as well,” said Flynn. “We must also focus on absentee landlords skirting the rooming house laws – essentially creating mini-hotels for profit. These actions gouge the rental market and create a shortage of rents that working people can afford.”
- Flynn cited data compiled by the Alliance for Downtown Civic Organizations (ADCO) which concluded:
- Chinatown is experiencing the most rapid AirBnB growth – three times that of Boston and 37% annual growth.
- Boston’s ownership/listing concentration statistics nearly double those of New York and Washington, D.C.
- The number of AirBnB units owned by multi-neighborhood hosts is almost four times the average for other major U.S. cities, stressing the residential fabric of our communities.
Flynn conveyed that he would partner with current City Councilors that have held hearings on short term rental platforms to find comprehensive ways to address this issue. In addition, Flynn would look at registration and inspection requirements for the city.
Flynn said, “If elected, it is my hope that this regulation will begin to alleviate our resident’s concerns regarding what these short-term rentals are doing to the rental market, the public safety aspect and quality of life issues that have arisen, and maintaining the residential feel of our neighborhoods.”
backward thinking….. probably wants to get rid of Uber and Lyft too??
Agreed another politican telling me how to use my private property. Air B&B Uber and Lyft are here to stay. This is progress. Fight it at you peril you will look like a political relic Mr. Flynn. Times they are a changing keep up.
You guys need to think about all of the problems Uber and Lyft has prior to being regulated. Tons of women were getting assaulted down the waterfront! By regulating AirBnB, we give everyone the opportunity to afford to live and rent within the district! Also, it should be noted that AirBnB is open to and wants to be regulated! They’re already doing this in other cities. Vote Ed!!
Flynn’s proposal talks about large companies, corporate short term rentals and absentee landlords that are buying up all the units and renting them out so regular people can’t afford them. Uber and Lyft are regulated now. Before they were we had public safety concerns as a number of women were assaulted down the waterfront. Airbnb has said they want to be regulated. Ed looks like he’s trying to do what other cities have done already.
He speaks. Here I am thinking all he does is pose for pictures. After all the dynasty must endure.