The City Council held a hearing Thursday for two bills that would undo some of the biggest changes to a law aimed at regulating short-term rentals, such as Airbnb, in the city.

The proposed bills, backed by Airbnb, would no longer require the rental host to be present during the stay, and would increase the number of guests allowed. Local Law 18 enforced these regulations when it went into effect more than two years ago.

Opponents of the bills include Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, Attorney General Letitia James, as well as the Real Estate Board of New York and hotel unions.

Jamie Smarr, president and CEO of the Housing Partnership Development Corporation, joined “Inside City Hall” to break down the discourse.

Tap the video player above to watch the interview.

See Full Page