City Council
Committee on License and Consumer Protection
November 13, 2013
RESOLUTION URGING THE ILLINOIS CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION TO SUPPORT
THE PLAN ACT
WHEREAS, On September 6, 2019, U.S. Congressman Ed Case of Hawaii introduced H.R. 4232 (the PLAN Act), which would hold Internet-based platforms like AirBnb, HomeAway, VRBO, and Flipkey accountable for knowingly facilitating and profiting off of listings that violate state and local laws; and
WHEREAS, There have been nation-wide reports of owners and operators of short-term residential rental units failing to comply with basic consumer safety, public accommodations, and tax requirements; and
WHEREAS, To date, Internet platforms have failed to take action to remedy these issues and continue to profit from illegal listings and activities; and
WHEREAS, On March 10, 2019, a seven hour stand-off occurred between the Chicago Police Department Special Weapons and Tactics Team (SWAT) and 30 individuals in a home rented through AirBnb in the 2400 block of North Clyburn, where two assault rifles, seven handguns, and various ammunition were recovered; and
WHEREAS, On October 31, 2019 in Orinda, California, a house party was hosted at a home listed on AirBnb where over 100 guests were in attendance and, tragically, five individuals were killed during an altercation; and
WHEREAS, The City Council enacted the Shared Housing Ordinance on June 22, 2016, regulating short-term rentals and vacation rentals in the City; and
WHEREAS, The short-term rental industry in the City is a far cry from the industry's preferred image of residents earing extra income by renting out a spare room in their home; and
WHEREAS, Over half of all hosts on AirBnb in Chicago have multiple listings, indicating that the market for short-term rentals is driven by investors and not residents earning extra income; and
WHEREAS, Nearly two out of three short-term AirBnb listings in Chicago are for the entire dwelling unit, and not for a spare room while the host is present; and
WHEREAS, Nearly three out of four short-term AirBnb listings in Chicago are available for more than 60 nights per year and the estimated average availability is 139 nights per year; and
WHEREAS, The PLAN Act would amend federal law to make clear that the law does not shield Internet-based platforms that facilitate bookings of illegal short-term residential rentals from liability under local laws and permit the City to enforce its laws and protect its residents; now, therefore
City Council
Committee on License and Consumer Protection
November 13, 2013
BE IT RESOLVED, That we, the Mayor and members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, gathered here this thirteenth day of November 2019, urge the Illinois Congressional Delegation to sign on as cosponsors to and to support the passage of H. R. 4232 to ensure that Internet-based platforms are held accountable for profiting from the violation of duly enacted regulations at the expense of the residents of the City of Chicago; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That suitable copies of this resolution be prepared and presented to the members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation.