San Francisco Votes to Legalize and Regulate Airbnb Rentals

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors approved legislation to legalize and regulate short-term housing rentals to tourists with a 7-4 vote. The so-called 'Airbnb law' affects people who have used such websites to rent-out their rooms, apartments and their homes. The vote legalizes the agreement and will require that hosts register with the city and pay through the city’s hotel tax law. It also adds a fee that goes to the city’s Planning Department where an inspector is hired to make sure that those involved in the agreement are following the rules and guidelines. The new law takes effect in February 2015.