Posted inCity, Housing & Development

Berkeley council votes to crack down on short-term rentals of multiple units by same owner

There are hundreds of rooms and units available to rent on Airbnb even though short-term rentals are currently illegal in Berkeley. Image: Airbnb Prompted by concern that too many units are being taken off Berkeley’s long-term housing market for short-term uses such as Airbnb, the City Council voted Thursday to penalize landlords who rent out multiple properties for less […]

Posted inOpinion

Op-ed: Council must adequately regulate short term rentals to protect Berkeley’s housing supply

Tonight the Berkeley City Council will vote on legalizing and regulating short-term rentals, defined as rentals which last for less than fourteen days.  Currently, such rentals are illegal in Berkeley, though that hasn’t stopped multi-billion dollar companies such as Airbnb from ignoring the law.  With Airbnb’s assistance, certain landlords around the state have been able […]

Posted inCrime & Safety, Housing & Development

Berkeley zoning board to consider demolition on Durant

The owners of the 2-story, 18-unit apartment building at 2631 Durant Ave. want to demolish the structure, currently vacant, and build a 5-story, 56-unit apartment. Photo: Google Maps The Berkeley Zoning Adjustments Board will consider granting a permit to demolish a 2-story, 18-unit rent-controlled apartment building on Durant Avenue at its meeting Thursday, June 25, as […]

Posted inBusiness, City, Housing & Development

Short-term rentals are squeezing out Berkeley renters

The owners of this rent-controlled apartment complex at 3100 College Ave. are renting out three of its apartments on Airbnb. Berkeley law does not allow rentals shorter than 14 days. Photo: Melati Citrawireja This is the first story in a Berkeleyside series on housing. Read the second story on rental rate increases here.  In late […]