The Impact of AirBnB in Paris
May 22nd, 2016, 11:01 AM
#21
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Many people are still not aware that the vast majority of vacation rentals in Paris are illegal. To date, the Mayor's office has published a list of legal rentals - there are currently only 107 of them scattered throughout the 20 arrondissements of Paris.
AirBnB includes a great many listings that have "migrated" from other listing sites - that's why the map looks like a bloodbath.
Parisian culture - and sometimes lack of space - doesn't lend itself to the traditional model of a B&B, where a family hosts a few guests in rooms that have been inspected and licensed by the city. There are requirements for a certain amount of space and number of windows per room, doors that lock, bathroom accommodations, and availability of hosts who will provide tourist assistance and breakfast during normal hours. I looked into doing this when I lived in a larger apartment, but unfortunately couldn't meet the requirements.
The owner of AirBnB has acknowledged in several interviews that he just got lucky with his original idea - which was simply "couch-surfing". He was in the right place at the right time, and merely caught on to the coattails of HomeAway/VRBO, who should receive credit for starting the rental boom in the first place.
AirBnB includes a great many listings that have "migrated" from other listing sites - that's why the map looks like a bloodbath.
Parisian culture - and sometimes lack of space - doesn't lend itself to the traditional model of a B&B, where a family hosts a few guests in rooms that have been inspected and licensed by the city. There are requirements for a certain amount of space and number of windows per room, doors that lock, bathroom accommodations, and availability of hosts who will provide tourist assistance and breakfast during normal hours. I looked into doing this when I lived in a larger apartment, but unfortunately couldn't meet the requirements.
The owner of AirBnB has acknowledged in several interviews that he just got lucky with his original idea - which was simply "couch-surfing". He was in the right place at the right time, and merely caught on to the coattails of HomeAway/VRBO, who should receive credit for starting the rental boom in the first place.
May 22nd, 2016, 11:06 AM
#22
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I live in West Hollywood, CA where airbnb is illegal and a major concern in the community.
We have at least 4 of these rentals on our very short block, including the 2-bedroom house next door. The neighbor rents to vacationers who often come from different time zones. At two, three and four in the morning they are partying in the hot tub outside. For some reason it always seem to occur during the week. They don't hear us when we call to them. We've called the sheriff, who has more important issues to deal with but when they do come, they can't hear the noise from the street and the renters don't hear the bell. Code compliance officers have issued citations to the owner who is living out of state and is apparently willing to pay the fines because she is making a lot of money on these rentals.
These rentals are illegal and the listings clearly identify the West Hollywood location, yet Airbnb permits the listings. I'm all in favor of legislation to prohibit this practice.
We have at least 4 of these rentals on our very short block, including the 2-bedroom house next door. The neighbor rents to vacationers who often come from different time zones. At two, three and four in the morning they are partying in the hot tub outside. For some reason it always seem to occur during the week. They don't hear us when we call to them. We've called the sheriff, who has more important issues to deal with but when they do come, they can't hear the noise from the street and the renters don't hear the bell. Code compliance officers have issued citations to the owner who is living out of state and is apparently willing to pay the fines because she is making a lot of money on these rentals.
These rentals are illegal and the listings clearly identify the West Hollywood location, yet Airbnb permits the listings. I'm all in favor of legislation to prohibit this practice.
May 22nd, 2016, 11:13 AM
#23
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Let's see....
Thinks all goose and duck farmers should be put out of their legitimate businesses because they are guilty of torture.
Thinks anyone with an apartment in Paris should be able to rent it illegally, thereby displacing actual Parisians who now have to commute from the suburbs to work because tourists who want to live like a local are taking up the space they could be occupying.
So, farmers and purveyors of completely legitimate products should be shut down, and perfectly normal, hard-working Parisians should be forced to the outskirts of the city because of tourists' desires?
Somehow this doesn't compute well for me.
Thinks all goose and duck farmers should be put out of their legitimate businesses because they are guilty of torture.
Thinks anyone with an apartment in Paris should be able to rent it illegally, thereby displacing actual Parisians who now have to commute from the suburbs to work because tourists who want to live like a local are taking up the space they could be occupying.
So, farmers and purveyors of completely legitimate products should be shut down, and perfectly normal, hard-working Parisians should be forced to the outskirts of the city because of tourists' desires?
Somehow this doesn't compute well for me.
May 22nd, 2016, 11:59 AM
#24
A lot of the annoyance factor has been rather abstract to me since these discussions started, because my building does not have any vacation rentals in it. However, yesterday I hosted a close friend overnight who was arriving from Brazil with a lot of baggage. He has been based there for the last 4 years and is now being transferred to another country. Therefore, on this trip he had as much baggage as a family of 4 since he has a generous baggage allowance. So he and I carried his luggage up three flights of stairs yesterday. There were only annoying wheel noises on the flat landings, but there was a horrible <b>thump-thump-thump</b> on all of the stairs.
Frankly, I was mortified by how much noise we made, and both of us are "big and strong" and generally able to carry things without dragging them. So now I fully understand the nightmare of people who live in buildings with several vacation rentals and who have to hear this both coming and going with each and every customer. And of course my recent experience does not include the noise of vacationers who party all night or just keep odd hours due to jet lag. Having spent a lot of time in hotels, I do know that vacationers for some reason seem to have their loudest conversations in the corridors ("DID YOU TAKE THE UMBRELLA?" or "DO YOU HAVE THE METRO TICKETS? THEY'RE NOT IN MY PURSE." -- plus of course the replies and indecision equally loud and always in the corridor.).
I really do not understand visitors who think that this is just a tiny detail when they stay in private buildings and that they can make as much noise as they want "because we don't live here and we don't care."
Frankly, I was mortified by how much noise we made, and both of us are "big and strong" and generally able to carry things without dragging them. So now I fully understand the nightmare of people who live in buildings with several vacation rentals and who have to hear this both coming and going with each and every customer. And of course my recent experience does not include the noise of vacationers who party all night or just keep odd hours due to jet lag. Having spent a lot of time in hotels, I do know that vacationers for some reason seem to have their loudest conversations in the corridors ("DID YOU TAKE THE UMBRELLA?" or "DO YOU HAVE THE METRO TICKETS? THEY'RE NOT IN MY PURSE." -- plus of course the replies and indecision equally loud and always in the corridor.).
I really do not understand visitors who think that this is just a tiny detail when they stay in private buildings and that they can make as much noise as they want "because we don't live here and we don't care."
May 22nd, 2016, 01:07 PM
#25
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Thanks for posting this. I'm sure there will be those who still insist the apartment they have rented is legal despite all evidence to the contrary.>
If it is illegal then shame on Parisian officials for allowing a blatant illegality to continue operating in the open.
Airbnb says Paris is their busiest city - think of all the moneys those folks are bringing in - yes to some opportunists but also probably to some not so well off folks. And those visitors spend tons of bucks - hotels may have to lower their prices.
In Dordognehsire Brits once bought up so much of the housing that locals felt like they were in a foreign country - replacing locals with fat-cat Brits - and StCirq scolds airbnb for causing much the same in Paris - look at your own Dordogneshire house - you are a foreigner taking away some local's dwelling because you can out bid them. Sounds hypocritical to me. Seems similar to airbnb in Paris - what's the difference except it is you I guess - people who live in glass houses...
If it is illegal then shame on Parisian officials for allowing a blatant illegality to continue operating in the open.
Airbnb says Paris is their busiest city - think of all the moneys those folks are bringing in - yes to some opportunists but also probably to some not so well off folks. And those visitors spend tons of bucks - hotels may have to lower their prices.
In Dordognehsire Brits once bought up so much of the housing that locals felt like they were in a foreign country - replacing locals with fat-cat Brits - and StCirq scolds airbnb for causing much the same in Paris - look at your own Dordogneshire house - you are a foreigner taking away some local's dwelling because you can out bid them. Sounds hypocritical to me. Seems similar to airbnb in Paris - what's the difference except it is you I guess - people who live in glass houses...
May 22nd, 2016, 01:13 PM
#26
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The main issue is that people don't realize that they are occupying space in a private, residential building whose tenants have invested a lot of time and money for the privilege of not living in a hotel.
I'd be willing to bet that most of the people renting apartments live in suburban homes with yards, and aren't aware how much noise they make - even when they think they're being quiet.
The 3 American girls who nearly pushed me and my dog down the stairs tonight while they were hauling in their groceries and luggage thought that was OK because one of them giggled and said, "Oh, bon joor". They've been running up and down and making noise ever since - it's going to be a long night...
I'd be willing to bet that most of the people renting apartments live in suburban homes with yards, and aren't aware how much noise they make - even when they think they're being quiet.
The 3 American girls who nearly pushed me and my dog down the stairs tonight while they were hauling in their groceries and luggage thought that was OK because one of them giggled and said, "Oh, bon joor". They've been running up and down and making noise ever since - it's going to be a long night...
May 22nd, 2016, 02:00 PM
#27
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"If it is illegal then shame on Parisian officials for allowing a blatant illegality to continue operating in the open."
I suspect the Paris officials, like those in my city, don't have the tools that would support shutting down the illegal rentals. As someone mentioned above, legislation is needed to give officials the tools to crack down on illegal rentals.
I suspect the Paris officials, like those in my city, don't have the tools that would support shutting down the illegal rentals. As someone mentioned above, legislation is needed to give officials the tools to crack down on illegal rentals.
May 22nd, 2016, 03:47 PM
#28
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There are about 25 or 30 inspectors in Paris trying to handle some 20,000 to 30,000 illegal rentals so the city of Paris is not allowing this and the officials do not deserve to be shamed. They just don't have the resources to cope with the scale of the problem. In regards to AirBnB and other rental agencies, it is only in cities in France with a population of more than 200,000 (and some other cities with a population of 50,000 or more) where it is illegal to rent for less than one year, or up to 9 months for students. Also, owners can legally rent their own homes in such cities (if it is their primary residence) for up to 4 months a year. Thus, the majority of towns and villages in France are wide open for short term rentals with no fear of doing so illegally.
Although it is not true in reality, AirBnB actually has the best model for providing legal short term rentals as the original idea behind their founding was that people would rent their own residence or host visitors in their own residence. I see AirBnB is consistently taking the brunt of the criticism on the short term rental issue but I actually think they have the one business model most conducive (at least initially) to conforming with rental laws in France. And they are the only agency, as far as I am aware (correct me if I'm wrong), that has actually taken steps to try to abide by Paris/French city regulations. I always hear people say they should rent from a reputable agency but I've seen none of these agencies take any of the steps towards being above board that AirBnB has taken. Obviously AirBnB is more concerned with profits than abiding by French laws (as demonstrated in the article) so most of the places in Paris on their website are still illegal but at least there is a surface attempt to try to be in compliance. I know of no other rental agencies operating in the Paris market (or other cities in France with a population of 200,000 or more) that have taken such steps.
Although it is not true in reality, AirBnB actually has the best model for providing legal short term rentals as the original idea behind their founding was that people would rent their own residence or host visitors in their own residence. I see AirBnB is consistently taking the brunt of the criticism on the short term rental issue but I actually think they have the one business model most conducive (at least initially) to conforming with rental laws in France. And they are the only agency, as far as I am aware (correct me if I'm wrong), that has actually taken steps to try to abide by Paris/French city regulations. I always hear people say they should rent from a reputable agency but I've seen none of these agencies take any of the steps towards being above board that AirBnB has taken. Obviously AirBnB is more concerned with profits than abiding by French laws (as demonstrated in the article) so most of the places in Paris on their website are still illegal but at least there is a surface attempt to try to be in compliance. I know of no other rental agencies operating in the Paris market (or other cities in France with a population of 200,000 or more) that have taken such steps.
May 22nd, 2016, 07:03 PM
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AirBnB makes life possible for many families with legally rentable units in their homes. As somebody noted, this model isn't new; it's been a fact of life in much of the world for a very long time. It would be great if AirBnB limited hosting to a certain number of units per host, since many bigger fish are now swimming in this pond and abusing the system. Also, it's clear that apartment & condominium rules must be established and respected in addition to municipal rules. One big concern is the reassignment of local housing to nightly rentals. But the model itself could be managed honorably.
May 22nd, 2016, 08:37 PM
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<i>. And they are the only agency, as far as I am aware (correct me if I'm wrong), that has actually taken steps to try to abide by Paris/French city regulations.</i>
Exactly what has airbnb done to abide by French law because I can´t think of a single thing? They agreed to collect and to pay the <i>taxe de séjour</i> to the city of Paris but only because they were liable for millions of euros in back taxes if they didn´t. They dodged a big bullet but it was not because of any altruism on the part of airbnb.
Airbnb doesn´t turn any customers away just because the apartments they want to list are illegal. Airbnb doesn´t screen their listings for compliance with French law. I think it would be interesting to hear about the steps airbnb has taken to abide by French regulations.
Exactly what has airbnb done to abide by French law because I can´t think of a single thing? They agreed to collect and to pay the <i>taxe de séjour</i> to the city of Paris but only because they were liable for millions of euros in back taxes if they didn´t. They dodged a big bullet but it was not because of any altruism on the part of airbnb.
Airbnb doesn´t turn any customers away just because the apartments they want to list are illegal. Airbnb doesn´t screen their listings for compliance with French law. I think it would be interesting to hear about the steps airbnb has taken to abide by French regulations.
May 22nd, 2016, 10:34 PM
#31
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As has been stated before, AirBnB is a marketing genius.
There are a couple of spectacular promotions planned for Paris - a stay in a specially-constructed apartment on a platform of the Eiffel Tower will be won by some lucky clients in the near future, last year's Hallowe'en sleepover inside a protected area of the Catacombs, and doubtless a few more are in the works.
The cost involved was exorbitant, and was considered a contribution (tax-free) for the upkeep of historic monuments, paid by AirBnB to the City of Paris. And AirBnB cashes in on a marketing coup which involves a very small investment on their part.
Some residents think it's "not correct" for the City to accept funds when marketing illegal apartments is involved. Others are happy that their taxes won't increase.
There are a couple of spectacular promotions planned for Paris - a stay in a specially-constructed apartment on a platform of the Eiffel Tower will be won by some lucky clients in the near future, last year's Hallowe'en sleepover inside a protected area of the Catacombs, and doubtless a few more are in the works.
The cost involved was exorbitant, and was considered a contribution (tax-free) for the upkeep of historic monuments, paid by AirBnB to the City of Paris. And AirBnB cashes in on a marketing coup which involves a very small investment on their part.
Some residents think it's "not correct" for the City to accept funds when marketing illegal apartments is involved. Others are happy that their taxes won't increase.
May 22nd, 2016, 10:40 PM
#32
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But the model itself could be managed honorably.
Sure ! Communism is also a good model that could have been managed honorably.
That is why there have to be laws - without it sharks come and a full deregulation comes with his friends : greed, irrespect etc.
Sure ! Communism is also a good model that could have been managed honorably.
That is why there have to be laws - without it sharks come and a full deregulation comes with his friends : greed, irrespect etc.
May 22nd, 2016, 11:02 PM
#33
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What people fail to understand is that disruptive models like Uber and AirBnB are about bringing maximum liquidity to a given market: car transport for hire, or - in this case - short stay apartment rental. Liquidity of this magnitude means there is damage elsewhere. In AirBnB's case, they can provide this liquidity by taking away housing space from the regular rental (and rent-controlled) environment. It is not a matter of a flaw in the system, and a few bad apples, this is the system itself. The same goes for the desirable notion of "labor market flexibility". What this means is: securing optimal liquidity of available workers by means of zero hour contracts, temporary employment, forced work schemes, unpaid internships etc. This drive towards total liquidity of supply IS the system.
Traditional control measures all fail because what systems like AirBnB do is make the renter, worker, driver into a pseudo-entrepreneur, competing against all other pseudo- entrepeneurs. Classic divide and conquer. Which means that it's city hall against a crowd of individuals. Because AirBnB will be quick to point out that it's not in the apartment rental business at all. Just like Uber is not a taxi company.
Traditional control measures all fail because what systems like AirBnB do is make the renter, worker, driver into a pseudo-entrepreneur, competing against all other pseudo- entrepeneurs. Classic divide and conquer. Which means that it's city hall against a crowd of individuals. Because AirBnB will be quick to point out that it's not in the apartment rental business at all. Just like Uber is not a taxi company.
May 22nd, 2016, 11:16 PM
#34
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<i>Rather than putting the needs of tourists first, how about putting the needs of residents first?</i>
Because we're tourists, not residents. Residents don't contribute to Air BnB's bottom line and besides, residents are there to serve as a backdrop to our experience.
Because we're tourists, not residents. Residents don't contribute to Air BnB's bottom line and besides, residents are there to serve as a backdrop to our experience.
May 23rd, 2016, 03:21 AM
#37
Yesterday, there was what I would call a major ad on TV for AirBnB. I don't watch a lot of television so I suspect this thing is not new. It seemed to have a major focus on Paris which I thought was ironic given what I have read here about the AirBnB presence in Paris (and also New York). The Eiffel Tower got lots of exposure in this piece and then the tag line about not just visiting a place but "living" there.
I fully understand the reason many want to rent "an apartment" in places and also why many prefer to stay in B+B's as opposed to staying in a hotel.
The whole "fantasy" about living somewhere is seductive and this ad has definitely done its part to eliminate the word "staying" from some folks' vocabulary.
I fully understand the reason many want to rent "an apartment" in places and also why many prefer to stay in B+B's as opposed to staying in a hotel.
The whole "fantasy" about living somewhere is seductive and this ad has definitely done its part to eliminate the word "staying" from some folks' vocabulary.
