Jul
13
U.S. Senators Ask FTC to Probe Airbnb’s Impact on Housing
ByThree U.S. senators asked the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the impact of Airbnb Inc. and other home-rental websites on housing markets, attempting to elevate local regulatory battles to the federal level.
Senators Dianne Feinstein of California, Brian Schatz of Hawaii and Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts wrote a letter to FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez requesting the agency “study and quantify” the prevalence of commercial renters using Airbnb, HomeAway Inc., VRBO and other short-term rental services. The letter said activity on those sites can result in housing shortages and drive up prices…