ALBANY, N.Y., June 20 (UPI) -- New York State Senate has passed a bill making it illegal to advertise short-term apartment rentals on Airbnb.
The passing of the bill on Friday, now heading to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's desk, prohibits online apartment listings under 30 days.
Such rentals violate New York City's multiple dwelling law, a law designed to keep apartment buyers from renting out the entire space and essentially converting their apartments into Airbnb hotels.
The legislation is the latest turn in a stormy relationship between Airbnb and the biggest market for its service.
It's a $1,000 fine for the first offense, up to $7,500 for a third violation.
"Let's be clear: this is a bad proposal that will make it harder for thousands of New Yorkers to pay the bills," an Airbnb spokesperson told TechCrunch. "Dozens of governments around the world have demonstrated that there is a sensible way to regulate home sharing and we hope New York will follow their lead and protect the middle class."
Up to 31,000 people in New York could be evicted or foreclosed upon if Cuomo signs the bill, Airbnb said. More than half of Airbnb's listings in New York are for homes or apartment rentals, the company said.
