The Virginian Pilot – Virginia Beach official wants to impose penalty on Airbnb rentals that don’t pay lodging tax

August 1, 2016
The city’s commissioner of the revenue is recommending a penalty for those who skip out on paying lodging taxes on short-term rentals that are booked through websites such as Airbnb. Phillip Kellam today will suggest to council members that they immediately change city code to fine or penalize such businesses that don’t pay. The city doesn’t forbid temporary lodging, but lacks regulations on short-term rentals in residential areas. “We do need an ordinance to help with the enforcement of this,” Kellam said. “It’s the fastest growing sector of the lodging market.” In April, a 20-year-old was shot and killed at a house that had been rented through Airbnb during College Beach Weekend. The home’s owner, a man from China, had not heard about the shooting until contacted by The Virginian-Pilot a few days later….
Source: http://pilotonline.com/news/government/local/virginia-beach-official-wants-to-impose-penalty-on-airbnb-rentals/article_606e0ae7-4ff4-5994-b529-d73668595c10.html