Andrew Dismore

AirBnB (1)

Question No: 2016/3891

Andrew Dismore

Further to your oral answer at September’s MQT to Assembly Member Copley, in a ‘Times’ article on the lobbying tactics employed by AirBnB what is described as a source inside AirBnB is quoted as admitting that “it was targeting Sadiq Khan, the London mayor”, that “Sadiq loves us right now” and that it had also “identified councillors who it feared may be likely to push for restrictions and that it was encouraging hosts to write to them”, what action are you taking over AirBnB?

Written response from the Mayor

My Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, James Murray, has been invited to a meeting with Airbnb and boroughs organised by Assembly Member Tom Copley, which I hope will be a useful opportunity to discuss the issues around Airbnb and what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects it may be having.

 

AirBnB (2)

Question No: 2016/3892

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with The Residential Landlords Association (RLA) report that landlords are taking their flats off the open market and advertising them instead on holiday websites like Airbnb,  leading to the RLA  claims that the trend will mean fewer homes for rent, exacerbating the housing shortage and  that rents could rise as a result, particularly in London?

Written response from the Mayor

I support the right of Londoners to be able to benefit from renting out their homes for short periods, to meet new people, to earn a little extra money and to add to the residential offer for visitors. I was concerned to read the recent RLA research, and my team will be discussing with boroughs what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects Airbnb or similar sites may be having.

 

AirBnB (3)

Question No: 2016/3893

Andrew Dismore

In its report the RLA says 41% of properties advertised on Airbnb in the capital are multiple listings – in other words involve one owner advertising several properties- what is your view about this?

Written response from the Mayor

In some cases, multiple listings may indicate Airbnb hosts acting as agents for multiple areas. Notwithstanding that I was concerned to read the recent RLA research and my team will be discussing with boroughs what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects Airbnb or similar sites may be having.

 

AirBnB (4)

Question No: 2016/3894

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with the RLA, that there are particular tax advantages for landlords who rent out their properties as short-term holiday lets for example through AirBnB, rather than rent them out with long tenancy agreements; and if so will you lobby Government over this loophole ?

Written response from the Mayor

I support the right of Londoners to be able to benefit from renting out their homes for short periods, to meet new people, to earn a little extra money and to add to the residential offer for visitors. The RLA report in question notes that in the Spring Budget of 2016 the government announced a tax break of £1,000 to support the sharing economy. It will take time to assess the impact of these changes on Airbnb activity in London and the housing market in general.

 

AirBnB (5)

Question No: 2016/3895

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with the RLA research which suggests that as many as 21,861 London properties are now being advertised on Airbnb, a figure that rose by a quarter between February and June this year; and if so what are you doing about it?

Written response from the Mayor

I am aware of the RLA research you mention, and my team will be discussing with boroughs what action may be necessary to mitigate any negative effects Airbnb or similar sites may be having