EU Unveils Rules to Help Cities Crack Down on Airbnbs

The European Union on Wednesday released a proposal for new legislation that could help local authorities curb Airbnb and other short-term rentals. The Affordable Housing Act is the European Commission’s response to the bloc’s housing crisis — an area typically out of its purview. The proposal lays out a new method for authorities to identify areas under housing stress and provides a legal framework to curb short-term rental operations. “Housing has become too expensive for many people in the EU,” reads a Wednesday statement from the commission, the EU’s executive branch. “The Affordable Housing Act helps public authorities protect housing affordability and availability in areas facing the greatest pressure.” EU officials say the proposed regulation will help cities address rising housing prices, which have jumped over 60% since 2013. Trade groups backing the short-term rental industry have raised concerns about the legislation, c