PORTLAND — The Portland Council’s Housing and Community Development Committee plan to discuss potential regulations for short-term rentals amid Airbnb’s growing popularity.
Airbnb allows people to advertise their rooms, apartments and homes for a relatively short period. It’s raised concerns about the safety of guests, and whether the service is fair to hotels and inns that are required to be licensed and inspected.
The Portland Press Herald reports that city staff have put forth potential regulations that include requiring registration with the city and limiting the number of days a unit can be rented.
The committee will continue the discussion Wednesday as to whether these regulations should be adopted
Some Maine cities such as Cape Elizabeth began requiring permits for rentals of fewer than 30 days before Airbnb became popular.
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