Airbnb shares calendar data with cities?

[AZ-Housing0]

Hi, 

I was switching to medium rentals on one of the properties I had and we got a fine of 5K a day from the city because according to them they have some short term bookings in the calendar. They told me they used a third party app that has access to airbnb bookings, showing the exact amount and number of days. I was under the impression that airbnb does not disclose these details to cities. @Bhumika can you please advise if these info is shared with cities or not?

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@AZ-Housing0 it would be remarkably easy for a computer to see when your place is booked for short terms even without Airbnb helping as the calendar is public. 

[Sybe · Accepted solution]

@AZ-Housing0 There are some cases in which Airbnb discloses certain information to governmental authorities, for example to comply with law. You can read more about this in the Privacy Policy under 4.5 Complying with Law, Responding to Legal Requests, Preventing Harm and Protecting Our Rights. 🙂

[Helen3]

Hello @AZ-Housing0 

Yes we can see you run an airbnb management company with multiple listings offering short stays - even without Airbnb disclosing data.

The best way to avoid fines is to comply with STR regulations in your location.

Why do you think it's an issue that Airbnb complies with local STR regulations by providing data?

[AZ-Housing0]

Because airbnb already deducts occupancy taxes and city wants me to pay more occupancy taxes.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@AZ-Housing0 then surely giving the city all the correct information must be a good thing.

[Ana2038]

@AZ-Housing0 , a number of your listings are in Garden Grove, which according to the City of Garden Grove website, prohibits short term rentals in residential areas. Not sure if this has changed but it sounds like your listings were reported to the city and after investigation the city has determined you/your listing are violating the city’s guidelines as it pertains to short term rentals.

Best of luck in getting this resolved with the city.