Two years after New York City’s Local Law 18 (LL18) regulating short-term rentals went into effect, a coalition of civil rights activists, housing advocates, and small business leaders is calling for reforms. They argue that the law has failed to address the city’s housing shortage and has made it harder for homeowners who depend on income from short-term hosting.
The coalition is urging the City Council to pass Intro. 1107, a bill proposing changes intended to restore income opportunities for homeowners and support local businesses without removing housing units from the market. Supporters say that since LL18 took effect, hotel prices in New York City have risen by 12.6 percent over two years—more than three times the national average—making travel less affordable for low- and middle-income visitors and families. This increase in costs has limited options for travelers seeking accommodations outside Manhattan and contributed to reduced tourism spending in neighborhoods across the city.
The city’s tourism bureau recently lowered its forecast for 2025, expecting 400,000 fewer domestic visitors than previously projected. Advocates attribute this decline partly to higher travel costs and fewer short-term rental options available to visitors wishing to stay near family or hospitals in outer boroughs.
Homeowners affected by LL18 have shared their experiences through rallies, community meetings, and advocacy campaigns. Lory and Cindy from Prospect Lefferts Gardens said they lost vital income due to LL18 and are supporting Intro. 1107 so they can continue contributing to their Brooklyn community. Kerri from Jamaica, Queens relied on hosting for nearly seven years before new regulations threatened her family’s financial stability. Jorge from Bedford-Stuyvesant turned to hosting as a way to cover his mortgage during challenging times such as layoffs.
Organizations including the NAACP branches of Brooklyn and Jamaica, the New York City Housing Partnership, the New York Urban League, all five borough chambers of commerce, and others have joined calls for reform. They cite concerns about displacement risks faced by Black and Latino families if current policies remain unchanged.
Joan Alexander-Bakiriddin, President of NAACP Brooklyn Branch stated: “Brooklyn’s communities are united in the commitment to advancing homeownership and the broader pursuit of equity and economic prosperity for those who have long been marginalized. The diverse voices of Brooklyn—young people, elders, and multi-generational homeowners—underscore the urgent need for policies that ensure every resident can build generational wealth and stability. Intro 1107 is a crucial step toward fairness, empowering homeowners to maintain economic resilience and remain rooted in the communities they have built. The bill provides practical protections, allowing primary homeowners to rent responsibly without sacrificing privacy or safety, and helps ensure that the path to prosperity remains open to all Brooklynites. The NAACP Brooklyn Branch stands firmly in the fight for economic justice, recognizing that affordable, stable housing is essential to thriving neighborhoods, strong schools, and unlocking the full potential of every community member. We look forward to collaborating with our partners and coalition members to convene a roundtable with our Economic Development Committee to center a vision of homeownership rooted in equity, justice, and opportunity for all across Brooklyn.”
Candace Prince-Modeste, President of NAACP Jamaica Branch said: “For too long, communities of color in Queens have carried a disproportionate burden of rising housing costs and shrinking stability. Homeownership is overwhelmingly how we build generational wealth yet systemic barriers continue to lock too many of our neighbors out of that chance. Int 1107 is a crucial step toward fairness protecting Black homeowners’ ability to remain in their neighborhoods—and ensuring that every family has tools they need... This bill helps safeguard promise homeownership Queens proud stand neighbors broad coalition advocates urging swift passage preserve affordability equity community generations come.”
Kathryn Wylde President CEO Partnership New York City added: “Overregulation major contributor affordability crisis prohibition against primary residents houses sharing homes when away example Council act remedy.”
Jamie Smarr President CEO New York City Housing Partnership commented: “Current short-term rental rules hurting not helping everyday people midst affordability housing crisis neighborhoods like Bedford-Stuyvesant where short-term rentals help families neighborhood businesses stay afloat suffering most...Intro 1107 offers common-sense solution empowers struggling homeowners earn extra income bills essential repairs while safeguarding long-term housing.”
Arva Rice President CEO New York Urban League said: “Current short-term rental rules disproportionately impact neighborhoods beyond Manhattan marginalized communities heard stories own members who are homeowners no longer make mortgage small businesses seeing less customers out town visiting relatives no longer place stay near families law needs reformed support New York families communities across all boroughs.”
Sandra Jaquez President New York State Latino Restaurant Bar Lounge Association noted: “City’s strict regulations on short-term rentals significantly affected local restaurants outer boroughs Upper Manhattan fewer options visitors less likely explore these neighborhoods impacting local economy beneficial City reconsider current approach find balanced solution allows responsible homeowners participate helping support businesses across all boroughs.”
Advocates argue that passing Intro. 1107 would help stabilize neighborhood economies by enabling more residents—especially those at risk—to remain in their homes while ensuring tourism dollars reach all parts of New York City.