NEW YORK (PIX11) -- It was just one year ago that the city enacted Local Law 18 that effectively banned short-term rentals of apartments in New York City. The law was meant to combat the city's housing crisis. Opponents of the law claim it hasn't worked and is causing hardship for many New Yorkers.
Homeowners who used to rent short-term units marked one year since the law went into effect by calling on the city to amend the regulation to restore their rights to use and rent their own homes as they see fit.
At a rally in front of City Hall, several dozen homeowners chanted, “We will never give up.” It was their battle cry. The homeowners claim Local Law 18 is too restrictive and feel the city is treating one- and two-family homeowners as if they are large building owners. They say the city law has taken away crucial income from them.
"We're just trying to pay our bills, trying to build better futures for our families, and just trying to stay in our homes," said Gia Sharp, co-founder of the advocacy group RHOAR NYC.
The law only allows people to rent out rooms in their homes to two guests for stays shorter than 30 nights. But owners must be registered and have to be on the premises during the stay. Hosts, however, whether they are registered or not, are permitted to book stays of 30 days or longer, usually through outlets like Airbnb.
Owners of one- and two-family homes said they relied on income from the rentals to help make ends meet.
Homeowner Jeanne Raleigh, who lives on Staten Island, was clear when she noted, "We turn to short-term rentals to cover our housing and personal costs."
Another homeowner, Sandy Sanchez-Muller, sadly noted, "Without income from short-term rentals, we can no longer afford to keep the home that has been in our family for three generations."
Advocacy group Restore Homeowner Autonomy and Rights claims 50% of its members are retired, unemployed, or self-employed and 25% earn less than the city median income of $75,000.
"Homeowners have reported their losses from short-term rentals an average of 13 mortgage payments per household," Sharp pointed out.
The call is out to Mayor Eric Adams and the New York City Council to allow owner-occupied one- and two-family homes to rent full units on a short-term basis, which is less than 30 days. Homeowners declared it is their right since it is their property.
Despite their call for change, there is no indication of any immediate movement by the city to amend Local Law 18.
PIX11 News reached out to City Hall and the Office of Special Enforcement, which regulates the law, for any updates.
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