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Governor Says Commercial Operators Should “Play By A Lot Of The Same Rules” As Hotels, B&Bs. (Boston, MA) - Massachusetts Lodging Association President and CEO Paul Sacco made the following statement today applauding Gov. Charlie Baker’s call for the legislature tax and regulate short-term rentals: The Massachusetts Lodging Association applauds Governor Baker for recognizing the proliferation of illegal hoteling in the Commonwealth, and his call to action for a more level tax and regulatory playing field between short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and traditional lodging establishments. As the governor rightly observes, basic economic fairness and common sense requires that commercial Airbnb operators pay taxes and provide similar guest protections that hotels and bed and breakfasts already provide. The Legislature should come to final resolution to remedy the explosion of illegal hotels which contribute to skyrocketing housing costs, tenant displacement, diminished quality of life in residential neighborhoods, and put guests and neighbors at risk. The MLA joins Governor Baker in urging the legislature to take action this session. BACKGROUND Gov. Baker Called On The Legislature To Take Action This Session To Tax And Regulate Airbnb. Baker: “I think it’s important the Legislature deal with the fact that there are a lot of people playing in the Airbnb space who, for all intents and purposes, might as well be running hotels. … And, if you’re running a hotel, you should play by a lot of the same rules a hotel plays by or a bed and breakfast plays by. You either believe in level playing field competition or you don’t. I do.”("Baker to lawmakers: Pick up the pace, already!,” The Boston Globe, 12/19/17)
Governor Says Commercial Operators Should “Play By A Lot Of The Same Rules” As Hotels, B&Bs.
(Boston, MA) - Massachusetts Lodging Association President and CEO Paul Sacco made the following statement today applauding Gov. Charlie Baker’s call for the legislature tax and regulate short-term rentals: The Massachusetts Lodging Association applauds Governor Baker for recognizing the proliferation of illegal hoteling in the Commonwealth, and his call to action for a more level tax and regulatory playing field between short-term rental platforms like Airbnb and traditional lodging establishments. As the governor rightly observes, basic economic fairness and common sense requires that commercial Airbnb operators pay taxes and provide similar guest protections that hotels and bed and breakfasts already provide. The Legislature should come to final resolution to remedy the explosion of illegal hotels which contribute to skyrocketing housing costs, tenant displacement, diminished quality of life in residential neighborhoods, and put guests and neighbors at risk. The MLA joins Governor Baker in urging the legislature to take action this session.
BACKGROUND Gov. Baker Called On The Legislature To Take Action This Session To Tax And Regulate Airbnb. Baker: “I think it’s important the Legislature deal with the fact that there are a lot of people playing in the Airbnb space who, for all intents and purposes, might as well be running hotels. … And, if you’re running a hotel, you should play by a lot of the same rules a hotel plays by or a bed and breakfast plays by. You either believe in level playing field competition or you don’t. I do.”("Baker to lawmakers: Pick up the pace, already!,” The Boston Globe, 12/19/17)