Airbnb listings in NYC plunge 64% after Law 18 crackdown. City wipes out most entire-home rentals under new rules. Regulation reshapes short-term market in global first.
New York City’s Airbnb Crackdown: A Two-Year Review of Local Law 18
byu/CuriousMarketing1224 inEconomyCharts
In January 2022, New York City passed Local Law 18, aimed at regulating short-term rentals like Airbnb. The law took full effect in September 2023, requiring hosts to register with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement and remain present during guest stays—essentially eliminating most entire-home rentals unless fully compliant.
After Law 18 enforcement began in September 2023, active Airbnb listings in New York City dropped from nearly 22,000 to below 8,000 in just six months — a 64% decline. While some recovery occurred in early 2025, the market has not returned to pre-regulation levels.
This steep drop confirms that regulation effectively removed commercial and non-compliant hosts from the platform. It’s one of the most dramatic shifts among major global cities.
Original post: https://renteconomics.substack.com/p/new-york-citys-airbnb-crackdown-a