[tetrep]

>AirBNB also imposes these risks on communities...

The person renting to AirBNB is the one imposing the risks. If communities are being put at risk it is by the willful actions of their own members.

>...AirBNB needs to work with regulators...

Why involve more parties than needed? How do communities currently deal with "bad apples?"

If we assume the community is functionally equipped to handle permanent residents who are undesirable, but not temporary ones, why not just apply the same rules to temporary residents? The permanent resident would bear responsibility for their guest(s). This would keep the solution in the same domain as the problem, the community.

[tpeng]

Would you say that oil companies do not impose environmental externalities, but that the guilt solely falls on drivers who consume gasoline? No, the company bears some responsibility.

As to your second question, this is a public policy issue, and there will be a policy response whether AirBNB likes it or not. I think it would be smart for AirBNB to engage in the policy conversation.

[blake8086]

Replace "AirBNB" with "a bulletin board" and try to make the same argument.

[zaidf]

If there was a bulletin board that was primarily used for activities not permitted by local law, the board would likely be taken down. For example, if there is a bulletin board in a dorm that is used to advertise different drug delivery services in town, either the board will be taken down or a new requirement would be placed requiring all postings to be preapproved.

Craigslist is an Internet bulletin board that chose to remove a few categories due to pressure from law enforcement and the community.

[xerophtye]

ok who tried to down vote this guy? he made a really fair point.

[001sky]

9/10 times in ny or sf the sublets are illegal...

the laws are already there on How do communities currently deal with "bad apples?"

Doesn't mean its the "right answer", but ...