Stricter regulations on Airbnb in Japan before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will cost visitors more

For millions, Airbnb has opened up an entire planet of brilliant and affordable accommodation options - from treehouses to chateaux, penthouses to private islands.   For governments and local residents, however, Airbnb and other short-term rental companies are being blamed for pricing out long-term renters and side-stepping the regulations and taxes imposed on hotels and registered apartments.   The latest country to have introduced stricter regulations on Airbnb is Japan. This week the holiday rental website was forced to withdraw tens of thousands of listings from its site and cancel reservations ahead of a new law clamping down on private residences.  “This announcement came as a surprise to us. It was contrary to the guidance our team had previously been given by the Japanese Tourism Agency and put the travel experiences of thousands of visitors to Japan at risk,” Airbnb said in a statement reported by Reuters.   Under the new legislation, due to come into effect on June 15, anyone wanting to list their property on Airbnb will need to register their accommodation with the local government, who will conduct fire and safety checks.   The new regulations will also limit rentals to 180 days per year - with fines of up to ¥1 million ($9,133) for anyone who breaches the rules.  The measures have been introduced to build more transparency into the home-sharing industry. The Japanese government aims to increase lodging options for tourists ahead of the  2020 Tokyo Olympics.  Olympic ticket prices will be expensive and now it appears there will be less housing bargains with these changes directed toward Airbnb and other similar companies. 

posted Friday June 8th