SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council adopted new rules on short-term rentals in an attempt to prevent property owners from taking permanent housing units off the market.
The rules approved on Monday require operators of short-term rentals to obtain licenses and places limits on the number of units they can list with short-term lodging services like Airbnb. New operators will be limited to listing their primary residence and one additional unit.
Council members say the new rules aim to prevent the loss of housing units as rent and home prices in the city rise.
Airbnb officials say they applaud the city’s actions as the rules ensure that the majority of people who host through the service can continue to share their homes.
The new regulations take effect in January 2019.
