Councilor Flynn Update on Short Term Rental Hearing

See Press Release Below:

BOSTON – Last week, Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn held a hearing on the implementation of the Short Term Rentals (Airbnb) Ordinance at the Boston City Council. The aim of the hearing was to discuss any potential issues or loopholes that may exist regarding enforcement of the ordinance and the removal of investor units or large corporations. The hearing brought together city officials, advocates, and residents to discuss the implementation and impacts of the Short Term Rental Ordinance. At the hearing, Inspectional Services Department (ISD) Commissioner Dion Irish testified that an investor property at 796 East 4th St that was brought to ISD’s attention by Councilor Flynn’s office as non-owner occupied, has since been deactivated from the city’s database.

Held on November 14th, the hearing was co-sponsored by Councilor Michelle Wu and Councilor Lydia Edwards. Councilor Flynn and advocates spoke about instances of ineligible short term rental operators still operating in advance of the December 1st deadline, as well as recent cases where companies are attempting to convert units to executive suites.  Administration officials spoke about the process of registering short term rental units, how the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) enforces the ordinance, as well as relevant data so far in terms of compliance.

In the hearing, Councilor Flynn also spoke about proof of residence and owner occupancy required to obtain a short term rental permit, and whether there are ways to strengthen the Primary Residence evidence. So far, there are roughly 1,500 applications for short term rental permits, with approximately 600 approved. ISD testified that they continue to enforce the ordinance and investigate complaints about ineligible units.

“Thank you the residents of Boston and housing advocates who came to testify about the impact of short term rental investor units and large corporations on our housing stock and the quality of life in our neighborhoods,” said Councilor Flynn. “Enforcement is key for our city moving forward. I will continue to work closely with city officials and residents to ensure that our communities are protected from the negative impacts of non-owner occupied, short term rental investor units.”

For more information or to report non-owner occupied units, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or at  [email protected].