Senator Elizabeth Warren (D), the senior Senator from Massachusetts, has co-signed a letter requesting that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) investigate the degree to which short-term lodging services are composed of "persons or firms acting in a commercial manner by renting out entire residences or multiple residences simultaneously".
The letter, co-authored by Senators Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Diane Feinstein of California, marks a major move by lawmakers towards intervening in the so-called "sharing economy".
“[W]e are concerned that short-term rentals may be exacerbating housing shortages and driving up the cost of housing in our communities,” the Senators state in the letter.
The letter brings up concerns about racial discrimination with Airbnb, and questions the economic impact of the company. Studies have found that Airbnb contributes to rising rents and housing shortages.
For more on the sharing economy, check out past coverage:
3 Comments
How dare anyone make a buck anymore. F*ck Pocahontas
Are you paying attention?
Ahh, the sharing economy. I know it well...
(Rideshare Driving - Exposed)
https://youtu.be/Wb_Fp9kgC0I
Block this user
Are you sure you want to block this user and hide all related comments throughout the site?
Archinect
This is your first comment on Archinect. Your comment will be visible once approved.