ARIZONA NEWS

Airbnb supports Arizona bill to regulate short-term rentals

Feb 4, 2021, 12:04 PM

(Photo illustration by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)...

(Photo illustration by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

(Photo illustration by Nikolas Kokovlis/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

PHOENIX — Online vacation rental company Airbnb supports proposed legislation that would enact penalties on short-term rental hosts who violate local nuisance, health and safety laws in Arizona.

SB 1379, authored by Sen. J.D. Mesnard, would give local cities the authority to enact fines and other penalties on hosts who violate the laws.

Those penalties would increase for repeat offenders and three violations in a 12-month period would allow the state to revoke short-term rental licenses.

“Airbnb supports Senator Mesnard’s bill and commends him for his efforts to give cities new tools to address hosts who negatively impact quality of life in their communities,” John Choi, Airbnb public policy manager, said in a statement.

“The vast majority of hosts in Arizona contribute positively to their neighborhoods and we look forward to supporting state and local officials in their efforts to develop sensible rules that preserve homeowners’ property rights and the economic benefits home sharing provides for Arizonians.”

Airbnb said it suspended or removed 50 listings in Arizona last year for complaints received regarding parties or other policy violations.

One of those complaints came when a teenager was wounded after gunfire was exchanged following a fight at a vacation rental house party in Scottsdale in July.

Short-term rentals remain a valuable tax asset for the state.

Airbnb said it generated about $87 million in taxes for the state of Arizona between 2017 and 2020.

We want to hear from you.

Have a story idea or tip? Pass it along to the KTAR News team here.

Arizona News

Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation announced a three-year, $20 million campaign to provide stud...

Roxanne De La Rosa

Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation launches $20 million campaign to help students in need

Maricopa Community Colleges Foundation (MCCF) announced a three-year, $20 million campaign to provide students in need with scholarships and access to higher education.

1 hour ago

South Phoenix school district...

Balin Overstolz McNair

South Phoenix school district may close several campuses in effort to save money

A south Phoenix school district board will vote Thursday on whether to close five of its schools in an effort to boost educational outcomes and spending efficiency.

2 hours ago

100 HAWK signals keeping pedestrians safe in Phoenix...

Serena O'Sullivan

Phoenix adds 100th HAWK crosswalk to protect pedestrians

There are now 100 HAWK signals in Phoenix intersections. These pedestrian signal crossings are furthering the city's street safety goals.

2 hours ago

The Arizona Department of Transportation will receive a $27.5 million grant to improve two Intersta...

Bailey Leasure

ADOT granted $27 million to improve I-40 connections to Navajo Nation capital

The Arizona Department of Transportation will receive a $27 million grant to improve two Interstate 40 connections to Window Rock.

11 hours ago

The westbound Loop 303 is closed at Interstate 17 near 51st Avenue in Phoenix due to a vehicle cras...

KTAR.com

Westbound Loop 303 closed for several hours after after crash at I-17

Westbound Loop 303 was closed for several hours Wednesday night after a crash at Interstate 17 in Phoenix.

11 hours ago

Neighbor and Satellite Coffee, two Phoenix companies, have teamed up for a new showroom. (Mack Medi...

Bailey Leasure

Furniture designer, coffee company team up for new Phoenix showroom

Neighbor and Satellite Coffee have teamed up for a new Phoenix showroom that will offer an outdoor space where customers can enjoy coffee and pastries.

12 hours ago

Sponsored Articles

...

Bright Wealth Management

How to save money on retirement planning following 2024 election

PHOENIX -- With the 2024 election over, economic changes could impact how people plan for retirement as 2025 is on the horizon.

...

Sanderson Ford

Sanderson Ford’s Operation Santa Claus: Spreading holiday cheer through pickleball

Phoenix, AZ – Sanderson Ford, a staple in the Arizona community, is once again gearing up for its annual Operation Santa Claus charity drive.

...

Collins Comfort Masters

Collins Comfort Masters: Leading the Way in HVAC and Plumbing Services in Arizona

Tempe, AZ – Since its inception in 1985, Collins Comfort Masters has been a cornerstone in the HVAC and plumbing industry in Phoenix and the surrounding Valley.

Airbnb supports Arizona bill to regulate short-term rentals