There was passionate debate today over the issue of Airbnb and other short term rentals in New Orleans. The city council considered the issue today and unanimously passed a sweeping ban on most short term rentals in residential neighborhoods.
Supporters of the proposal in the city council chambers complained the scourge of people renting homes has destroyed residential neighborhoods and forced working class people out as more and more rentals are converted to service tourists.
"They do not have an affordable place to live any more," a woman almost in tears stressed. "They are being pushed out of the city that they grew up in. They are the ones who produce the culture and the meaning of New Orleans."
Another woman pleaded with the council to preserve the neighborhood fabric of the city.
"Do not let this moment pass you by. It is almost too late to save New Orleans. You can make this change."
Opponents said that limiting short term rentals to owner-occupied properties is unfair to those who have purchased and renovated homes and that there just are not enough hotels in the New Orleans to serve the demand for places to stay.
"I agree short term rental should be restricted," one man said. "But without giving the tourists and alternative place, it will just go underground again in the neighborhoods."
Another owner noted that he was going to lose big bucks under the ban.
"I bought it with the understanding and the intent that I would be able to utilize Airbnb short term rentals, so that I could supplement some of the costs of the home itself."
The city council voted seven to zero to pass the ban which says if you don't live on the property, you cannot rent out your home in New Orleans as a short term rental anymore.
Councilwoman Kristin Gisleson Palmer led the effort that now will only allow owner-occupied properties to be rented through Airbnb and other short term rental sites, if they are in residential areas.
Owners of a duplex can rent half the house if they live on the other side and sleep there when guests are present. Likewise an owner of a fourplex can live in one of the units and short-term rent the other three.
The new regulations also limit the percentage of properties in commercial areas that can be short term rentals.