iris, I think it's safe to assume that more and more people will "find out the hard way." You can already see the numbers growing.

And a "permanent name tag" on an apartment is a joke. It's a piece of paper you slip into the slot - not even close to being any indication that the apartment is legal.

I can vouch for the fact that having a beer or a glass or wine with whathello is a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

StCirq; I was only suggesting that people were living full time in those apartments with name tags.

I have no idea, but my guess perhaps 1 in 10,000 people have a problem, perhaps no more or no less than a hotel.

San Francisco recently enacted a law regulating these agencies like AirBnB to ensure that the short term rental is legal. Now being contested.

Paris may be considering such a law, but for me, people should not be deceiving tourists that they are likely to be cancelled or put out into the street.

That happening is almost NIL.

As for Whathello, I have suggested a glass of wine once before, he said RED.

>> . . . but for me, people should not be deceiving tourists that they are likely to be cancelled or put out into the street.<<

But it is OK to deceive tourists that it is perfectly fine to rent illegal apartments?

It isn't just whether one will be kicked into the street - a small chance. But its also a matter of fairness, one's moral compass. "That apartment is illegal but don't worry about that." verges on 'Ugly American' territory IMO.

High Horse font off ;)

See StCirq; The moral issue again.

It's a sickness perpetuated by a few.

AirBnb is collecting the Paris city tax. I rent from AirBnb, all above board..

Ask fuzbucket!!

Just out of interest, SF Chronicle examines the Airbnb thing from both pro and con perspectives in this article:

http://www.sfchronicle.com/airbnb-im...ncisco-2015/#1

I bought a Vuitton bag off the street in Venice.
I bought a Rolex from another street vendor in LA.
When in Vietnam, I gave a big 10c piece to a kid who just finished my pair of shoes.
All of this is perfectly legal, and if not, it is not my problem.

MonicaRichards- apologies, there is a contract, I've been rather busy booking a lot of accommodation for Europe, I don't know why I wrote no contract.

I always thought the the US was big on punishing tax evasion. Why should Europe be any different?

By the way, Whathello, as I am sure you know, buying counterfeit goods in Italy is a criminal offence, punishable with a large fine and confiscation of the goods.
(Cue Whathello saying in amazement 'Counterfeit? How was I to know that a Louis Vuitton bag for €50 might not be legit??)

How was I to know that a Vuitton bought on the street for 50 euros is illegal ?
I am sure the guys pats taxes ... On his coffee.
Now you stressed me. I have found antidepressants on Internet. For 25pc of the price.
Pharmacists are thieves.

Actually, one thing sort of surprises me in the attitude of many of the Americans on this subject. I have often said that it is easy to 'smuggle' meats and other forbidden items through US customs. I did it for 30 years to bring special treats to my parents in Florida and got stopped a grand total of 2 times out of about 50 trips where I never declared anything. The customs agents apologetically took the items from me and I continued on my way. They knew very well that items from Europe are safe but "rules are rules."

This admission has consistently caused outrage on the forums and grand proclamations have been made among our American friends that they would absolutely never break the law, and what I had been doing was scandalous. Yet on the subject of illegal rentals, there is no outrage at all but a lot of proud statements that "I have been doing it for years and nobody is going to stop me."

Double standards?

Hey Whathello; Waiting to see if United Health will cover a new drug, Pirfenidone and what the cost would be.

I have a feeling I am going to need 75% off to afford the cost.

And Kerouac; I would definitely sit down with you over a glass of wine.

I must get to Paris once more!!

Can I bring my friend, whathello?

Absolutely!!

Red, the wine ?
I've tried Chinese wine, BTW. Don't. Some things you cannot go with fakes.
Medicine, ok, after all it only kills people, but wine... this is art.

Kerouac & friend, I'm feeling distinctly liked chopped liver. Sigh.

I love chopped liver.

I love chopped liver.

I had chopped liver when my wife and I met Stu Dudley and his wife in SF when we had dinner.

WhatHello; You select the wine, but remember, I'm on a budget.

Kerouac, to be fair, on many of the threads about this in both Paris and NY , many Americans, myself included have indicated that though it makes us sad not to be able to rent apartments we will follow the law.