New Orleans set to strongly limit short-term rentals

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans City Council is set to ban “whole-Home” short-term vacation rentals in much of the city.

Members were set to meet Thursday to discuss and possibly vote on a set of new regulations aimed at rentals arranged by companies like Airbnb and HomeAway.

The meeting agenda includes a closed door session so members can discuss a lawsuit already filed to fight the restrictions.

The meeting comes a year after the council approved a moratorium on new or renewed licenses for short-term rentals of whole homes not occupied by the owner.

The planned ban brought strong opposition from some property owners and managers. But opposition to short-term rentals has been especially strong in historic neighbourhoods. Residents say short-term rentals have driven up housing prices while driving away full-time residents.

Kevin McGill, The Associated Press