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Comment by AlexandrB | Hacker News Reader

Don't forget AirBnB which has helped take a significant amount of housing stock off the market: https://comptroller.nyc.gov/reports/the-impact-of-airbnb-on-...

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or did it make it more malleable for customers who wanted sub 12month leases? (And not absurdly priced like some apartment companies who will charge 3x the monthly rent for 1 month leases)

When i Moved to the US AirBnb was my best option to get a 2 week home while I hunted for where I would lease for 12 months. A hotel would have easily cost me double because i got a good week or 2 week rate (i forget which) .

Yes, AirBnB brought down the cost of short term rentals by removing stock from the long term rental market. I think this is a net-negative for society and consumers. It's great that you saved money for a 2 week rental. That was more than made up by someone else who has had to pay more for housing for years.

If AirBnb truly made the market prices go up, then beyond short term shocks it's more of city hall's (and NIMBYism) fault that new supply couldn't come to market (such as rezoning) .

America has a massive zoning issue that is causing all kinds of pain and suffering to lower middle class and below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfsCniN7Nsc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7pq-UvE1j1Q

But Airbnb's are housing!

That's on the market!

AirBnBs are way more expensive that "traditional" long-term housing. They compete in the same market as Hotels and BnBs, not rentals you would live in for 1+ year.

So yes, they're on the market. A different market than long term rentals.

The legal framework is different, but they all serve people in need of housing in the area.

With the month long discounts they are offering they aren’t that far off from furnished rentals, but with a lot more flexibility.

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