By Abigail Royle 2/20/2018
The officials of the city of Framingham are calling for stricter restrictions on Airbnb rentals after a house party got out of control. Nearly two weeks ago a group of college students rented an Airbnb house on Brook Street for a house party. Hundreds of students attended and 7News reports neighbors started to feel unsafe. A police officer was responding to complaints of the party when he and three students were injured in a head-on collision.
City officials are now pushing for more restrictions on Airbnb rentals ever since the accident. City councilor Pam Richardson, who represents the neighborhood, says the city should know the location of the Airbnbs. She also wants Airbnbs inspected for safety and taxed the same way as hotels.
The mayor of Framingham, Yvonne Spicer, says that she is open to new regulations on the Airbnb rentals. In an interview with 7News Spicer explains, “like anything else, if it’s used inappropriately, it does become problematic.”
Meanwhile, Airbnb, which is known for supplying travelers with cheap lodging and homeowners with an easy way to rent their extra space, has responded to the incident. Nick Shapiro, Airbnb’s Global Head of Trust and Risk Management, released a statement to 7News saying, “‘What took place is unacceptable. We will work with the police on their investigation and fully cooperate to help ensure justice is served.’”