The Washington, D.C., Council unanimously voted "yes" to a new law restricting Airbnb rentals in the city.

On Tuesday, October 2, the Washington, D.C., council members unanimously voted yes on a new law restricting Airbnb rentals in the area. The new law, if confirmed, will place restrictions on property owners or companies renting out second residences for the purpose of selling short-term rental services like Airbnb.

The proposal will also restrict property owners from renting out rooms (on a short-term basis) in their residence for more than 90 days while the property owner is absent (no new restrictions apply for short-term rentals while the homeowner is present.) The new law would require property owners to obtain a license for short-term rentals.

The unanimous vote represents D.C. Council's strong stance on strict Airbnb regulations in order to protect affordable rental housing and residential neighborhoods. The position is indicative of major cities' larger fight against gentrification in their districts as new technology creates unforeseen economic opportunities which provide new access to some within the new system, while restricting participants in traditional systems from access to the homes, scenery, and businesses they grew up with and previously could access without competition from those in wealthier income brackets. (Controversially, Airbnbs have been known to skyrocket the cost of rental housing, with a 2017 study finding that Airbnb and other short-term rentals are strongly linked to increases in the cost of rent.)

Representatives of Airbnb lobbied hard against the proposal. Company lobbyists say they will continue to pressure D.C. Council legislators to soften the regulations before the proposal's final confirmation vote later this month or in November.

Airbnb officials say that this new law, if passed, would give D.C. some of the most restrictive short-term rental regulations in the area (with the exception of New York City and San Francisco, where Airbnb also lobbied to defeat similar restrictions on property owners' short-term rentals).

The hotel industry, however, rejoiced at the outcome of the D.C. Council's vote. Members of Unite Here Local 25, an organization comprised of and representing hotel workers, literally cheered following the Council's vote. Approximately 9,000 short-term rentals like Airbnb currently operate in D.C. (compared to over 31,000 hotel rooms).

Opponents of the legislation regulating short-term rentals argue that Airbnb makes it more affordable to visit the nation's capital, and the extra income from renting out rooms also makes it more affordable for residents to live there.

“We’re really frustrated that the council chose big hotels over regular people sharing their homes, but we’re here to work with the council,” said Christopher Nulty, Airbnb head of local public affairs. “We’re definitely not walking away from the table."

The District itself is conflicted. The legislation, if confirmed, will only affect property owners renting out second properties on a short-term basis, or property owners renting out rooms in their primary residence for more than 90 days a year while they themselves are not present. Those providing short-term rentals will also be required to obtain a license.

What do you think about this new law restricting Airbnb? Does Airbnb hurt communities or help them? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

Toys R Us might be coming back. Here's everything we know.