GROUNDUP: Airbnb bylaw doesn’t do enough to address Cape Town’s housing crisis
Only primary residences should be allowed on Airbnb.
Airbnb’s unrestricted growth in Cape Town is exacerbating the city’s housing crisis, with existing homes that could be used for long-term rentals being operated as short-term listings instead. The City of Cape Town’s draft Short-Term Letting Bylaw proposes commercial rates on properties listed for more than half the year, but experts argue it does not adequately address the issue.
Airbnb listings, which account for about 84% of the city’s listings, tend to be higher-end and concentrated in specific areas, causing downraiding effects that displace lower-income residents and drive up rents city-wide. The draft bylaw's proposed 50% availability threshold is insufficient to protect neighbourhoods, and a primary-residence requirement, combined with registration, data sharing, and accountability, would better prevent commercial mega-hosts from monopolizing the housing supply.
Implementing such policies alongside building more homes, releasing public land for social housing, and instituting rent stabilisation measures is crucial for addressing the Cape Town housing crisis.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Maverick's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
