State bill could ban short-term Airbnb renters

A Bedford-Stuyvesant couple who rent out part of their home through Airbnb are concerned about losing guests because of a state bill that still needs the go-ahead from the governor. Richelle and Pela

News 12 Staff

Aug 25, 2016, 8:33 PM

Updated 3,073 days ago

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A Bedford-Stuyvesant couple who rent out part of their home through Airbnb are concerned about losing guests because of a state bill that still needs the go-ahead from the governor.
Richelle and Pela Burnett turned to Airbnb years ago to help supplement their joint income. They rent out a floor to visitors from around the globe seeking a home-like atmosphere.
A state bill could threaten the arrangement. It would make it illegal to stay at an apartment or house for less than 30 days. A violation could bring a fine of up to $7,500.
State Sen. Roxanne Persaud co-sponsored the bill, which passed overwhelmingly in the Senate and returned to the Assembly.
The bill will be handed off to Gov. Andrew Cuomo to approve or deny.

Airbnb's site says that there were more than 15,000 listings in the borough last month.