Councilperson Squilla has introduced Bill 2100181. Per the Inquirer, the Bill was created to address situations where the operation of “air B and Bs” have generated quality of life complaints – most frequently, disruptive and noisy social gatherings. Currently affected neighbors find it difficult to find a “buck stops here” owner to whom they may address their concerns.
Bill 2100181 eliminates the licensing exception for owners who rent out for less than 90 days a year. The Bill’s Limited Lodging License must be obtained by any owner or subletting tenant who engages in a temporary rental even if only for a few weekends each year. To qualify for such a license, the name and mailing address of each person with a substantial ownership interest in the subject property must be registered. Where a corporation or other entity rather than a natural person holds the deed or lease, the name and mailing address of the natural person(s) owning a substantial interest in the ownership entity must be presented in the registration. Further, operators of Limited Lodging units must retain City licensed booking agents provide the City with the street address of each Limited Lodging property and the length of stay and price of each booking and advertisements or marketing materials must contain the booking agent’s license number.