Airbnb has sued New York City in an attempt to overturn strict new regulations that restrict short-term rentals, claiming that the rules are “extreme and oppressive.” The New York Times reports: A new law, passed by the city in 2021, sought to prevent illegal short-term rentals by requiring hosts to register with the city. Short-term rentals — for fewer than 30 consecutive days — have largely been barred if hosts are not present, according to state law, though the city and Airbnb have disagreed about how expansive such prohibitions and other complicated city codes should be. The city said it would start enforcing the law in July.

In the lawsuit filed on Thursday, Airbnb called the new scheme “extreme and oppressive” and said it clashes with a federal law that has shielded many tech platforms from liability for content posted by its users. Three Airbnb hosts also filed similar lawsuits, arguing that the rules were so complicated that nearly all hosts, even those who intended to be present when guests were around, would be unable to use the platform. The city said it was reviewing the lawsuit. “This administration is committed to protecting safety and community livability for residents, preserving permanent housing stock, and ensuring our hospitality sector can continue to recover and thrive,” Jonah Allon, a spokesman for the mayor, said in a statement.

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Source: Slashdot – Airbnb Sues NYC Over Limits On Short-Term Rentals