Airbnb to Send E-Mails and Snail Mails to San Francisco Host to Urge Host to Register with the City

Airbnb is now taking small steps in encouraging its hometown San Francisco host to adhere to the city law and register. After facing a lot of controversies, Airbnb is finally making moves to comply with the city to register hosts accordingly and give comprehensive reports of their rentals.

Bloomberg was able to obtain the two letters written by Airbnb executives. In one letter written by Patrick Hannan, Airbnb's public policy manager, it was stated that twice a month they will send e-mails as well as snail mails to San Francisco hosts to encourage them to register. Aside from that, it was also mentioned that the company will provide the necessary advertisements that can help urge hosts to comply with the city laws.

The company is also working closely with a local organization that is affiliated with Airbnb such as Home Sharers of San Francisco. The said organization will provide monthly registration information sessions as well as registry focus community events. In doing so, home hosts will know the steps that they need to go through and what the process is all about.

The other letter from Brian Chesky, Airbnb Chief Executive Officer, it was pointed out that he will register his own home before accepting visitors this year. Chesky also mentioned in his letter that they will give the necessary help and assistance that the host will need for registration.

But then, it was not mentioned whether Airbnb has already registered to San Francisco. Chesky wrote, "Our team is working directly with city officials to help inform the process."

He added, "I know the last year was difficult and confusing for many of you. After a long election and a lot of confusion about the rules and regulations, some of you chose to stop hosting."

According to The Next Web, the registration and the reports that the host will provide will all go to the Office of Short Term Rental. This new civic office is under San Francisco's laws. The office will be the one to regulate all short-term residential rentals to ensure that they will abide with the city ordinance.