[lisasays]

The law and rules effectively ban short-term rentals in New York City

An intentionally misleading statement from Airbnb. The law in question does severely restrict the class of permissible rentals (to owner- and tenant-occupied units), and will certainly bite them in the ass as far as this market is concerned -- but, as Airbnb is perfectly aware, it is not a blanket ban on short-term rentals at large.

Also, the law in question does not create new restrictions at all -- but rather creates a structure for enforcing existing restrictions.

[gdcohen]

Unfortunately it's more restrictive than just owner-occupied units. It's essentially an unlocked room (for up to 2 people) in someone's house/apt that includes shared living spaces.

For example, there are many multi-family houses where a family lives upstairs but can't rent out the downstairs apt.

[lisasays]

Right - the new law is quite restrictive. But it doesn't say what Airbnb wants us to believe it says.