ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Albuquerque City Council made a decision Wednesday night that could have impacted the number of short-term rentals in certain parts of the metro.
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“We acknowledge that there is a housing shortage in Albuquerque and every short term rental removes a home from our already short housing supply,” said Albuquerque City Councilor Joaquin Baca at the meeting Wednesday night.
Councilors Baca and Nichole Rogers co-sponsored the bill to limit the number of short-term rentals available in certain parts of the city. The ordinance failed on a 3 to 6 vote.
The bill would have also not allowed some permits if they were close to another property being rented out on sites like Airbnb.
“It affects future generations of Albuquerque citizens. If your neighbor owns a short-term rental, you are no longer able to open a short-term rental in District 2 and District 6,” said Carl Vidal with New Mexico Short Term Rental Association.
The bill followed a similar one last year that failed to pass. The ordinance would have impacted areas like Old Town Albuquerque, an area with a lot of tourism. Those against the bill worried about how it would embolden hotels. “When we look at a bill like this, we see it as very anti-competitive and restricting for free commerce on the working class and upper class citizens in our city,” said Vidal.
Those who supported the bill hoped properties could be used as long-term housing and help with the housing shortage. Baca clarified on Wednesday the bill would not have negatively impacted current short-term rentals. “I am very mindful of protecting our businesses. I don’t take this bill lightly in any way. We took care to make sure that we protect all existing short term rental permits,” said Baca.
