Airbnb-Style Rentals Would See Fewer Local Limits Under Bill

A bill that would limit local government regulations on vacation home rentals through websites like Airbnb passed a Senate committee Tuesday.

Online businesses like Airbnb, HomeAway and FlipKey let homeowners or renters rent our their property to vacationers for days or weeks at a time.

Some local governments, including Madison, currently place some limits on such arrangements. Under the new legislation, local governments would be barred from enforcing ordinances that regulate rentals lasting seven days or longer.

“I think what you’re seeing is the state step in and speak up for the rights of the individual — the individual property owner, host, property manager, etc.,” said Matthew Kiessling with the Travel Technology Association, a District of Columbia-based trade group. He said the bill is good first step.

Opponents say the bill takes away necessary local controls.

The measure is awaiting a vote in the full Senate, which returns to Madison in March.