D.C. renters could soon host Airbnbs under Bowser bill
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Some renters could rent to Airbnb, VRBO and others if new rules go through. Photo: Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Can D.C. renters list their homes on Airbnb? Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to make it possible.
Why it matters: A proposal from Herroner could open up a new side hustle for some city dwellers — and give visitors more places to stay during major tourism moments.
Driving the news: Bowser introduced a bill Friday that would expand who can legally operate short-term rentals in D.C., and add to the 2,080 current short-term licenses in the city. The proposal would:
- Allow renters to host short-term stays in their primary residence — unless the unit is rent-stabilized or their lease prohibits it. Landlords would still have the final say.
- Create a special-event license allowing residents to rent out their homes during mayor-designated events — like July 4th or an inauguration — without needing to stay in the home.
- Allow homeowners to rent out a second property they own in the District for short-term stays — but only if they still reside in D.C. If it isn't owner-occupied, it could only be rented 90 nights per year.
- Extend the special-event license to that second property — so, for example, if you own and live in an H Street-area row house and also have an AdMo condo, you could put that condo on Airbnb for July 4th weekend.
- Also, the short-term event license extends for a week up to said event.
Between the lines: City officials say they want to provide tourists with more lodging options during major events such as cherry blossom season and America's 250th anniversary this year.
- They also want to compete with the suburbs, where visitors often book rentals because of cheaper prices and looser regulations.
- The bill also aims to simplify rules that hosts have long found confusing.
What they're saying: "Our goal here is not to complicate the regulatory scheme," Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection Director Tiffany Crowe tells Axios.
- "We made [the regulations] simpler … and expanded the scope so more D.C. residents can participate. Our goal is to make it easier for people to earn money on the side."
The intrigue: Officials say the legislation isn't about a hotel-room shortage. But 2,000 National Guard troops are stationed in the city — and according to a February Senate report, many are staying and paying market rate at area hotels, which could potentially cause a space crunch during peak tourism times.
What's next: The legislation now heads to the D.C. Council.