A line must be drawn between sharing space and turning a space into a business.
Minister Victor Dominello announced the enthusiasm of the NSW Government over the "positive impact of the collaborative economy for consumer choice, employment and productivity." In other words, the government is embracing the concept of sharing services as promoted by Uber and Airbnb. At the time of the announcement, many apartment block residents quickly expressed their fears that sold down just like the taxi drivers. Many feared the idea of their homes being turned in to virtual hotels.
Speaking of the shared economy according to Domain, Sydney MP Alex Greenwich said, "The shared economy is a reality that governments can't ignore and there is a responsibility to put in place appropriate controls to enable it to grow without negatively impacting on others." He also reminded everyone that there is a difference between renting one's residence for a short time while traveling and turning apartments into hotels. He notes that the government wants to make sure that no one would abuse the concept of the shared economy in making a profit at the expense of neighbors.
Uber's growing popularity in the capital cities are taking a toll on taxi drivers' income. A trend that apartment owner don't want to see on residential zones. Therefore, many agree that using an apartment in a zoned residential area for business purposes should never be allowed by the governments. On the other hand, the concept of the shared company may have a positive impact on students, for example, who can make a profit while they are on long breaks by letting their space.
Moreover, there are also economic benefits for a person who lives alone in an apartment and rents an extra room. The sharing economy also is a good idea for those who will be needing pet-sitters or plant-sitters while they are away on vacation. Unfortunately, there is a thin line between sharing space and turning a space into a business and the government should establish policies to ensure that no one crosses the line.
