Andrew M. Cuomo of New York has signed a bill that will impose steep fines on Airbnb hosts who break local housing regulations, creating a new law that could drive people from the short-term rental service. Since 2010, it has been illegal in New York to rent out a whole apartment for fewer than 30 days. “This is an issue that was given careful, deliberate consideration, but ultimately these activities are already expressly prohibited by law,” Rich Azzopardi, a spokesman for Mr. Cuomo, said in a statement. The legislation followed years of haggling between Airbnb and New York officials. The relationship between Airbnb and local politicians has continued to deteriorate since Mr. Schneiderman sent his initial request.

Source: New York Times October 21, 2016 20:48 UTC