SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council is holding its first meeting Wednesday morning to discuss the controversial new rules proposed for short term-rentals.
Many people don’t like the rules, and there could be a packed room of people at City Hall who rent out their homes on sites like airbnb.
They are upset because the proposed new regulations would bar people, whose listed places are not their primary residence, from renting them out for no more than 90 days a year.
The city says the change will free up more long-term affordable housing.
Condo owners who oppose the rules say their livelihood will be affected.
"It's frustrating. I built a small business from scratch. I am a single mother, and effectively, what has been proposed by Tim Burgess’ office would completely put me out of business,” said Michelle Acquavella with Sea to Sky Rentals.
KIRO 7 reached out to Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess who says about 80 percent of short term rental business owners won't be affected by the proposed regulations.
The city council meeting starts at 9:30 a.m.
A tentative vote is set for August or September, and if it passes, the regulation will go into effect in 2017.
Cox Media Group
