Episode Details

In this episode of pplpod, we explore the booming world of short-term rentals (STRs). Often seen as a cost-effective alternative to hotels, STRs offer travelers furnished apartments and homes through platforms like Airbnb, frequently at rates 25–50% cheaper than traditional accommodations. We discuss the benefits for travelers, including access to amenities like kitchens and the flexibility of month-long stays for relocation.

However, we also dive into the controversy surrounding the industry. We examine how the proliferation of STRs can exacerbate housing crises by encouraging landlords to convert rent-controlled properties into more profitable vacation units, displacing long-term residents. The episode also covers the friction between transient guests and permanent neighbors, safety code violations, and the various ways local governments—from Santa Cruz to London—are attempting to regulate the market through zoning laws and stay limits.