Shinjuku in Tokyo plans to ban more than half of short-term rental properties
Shinjuku ward in Tokyo, Japan, plans to ban more than half of short-term rental properties, including accommodations available through Airbnb. The restrictions are to be introduced in residential areas and districts near schools due to growing complaints from residents about tourists, Channel NewsAsia reports.
Planned restrictions
A Shinjuku official overseeing short-term rentals told AFP that ward authorities plan to revise the current ordinance to ban private guest accommodation in residential areas and near schools. According to him, the new rules could affect more than 50% of short-term rental properties in the ward.
The restrictions will also apply to existing accommodations. The mayor of Shinjuku is expected to officially announce the plan on Tuesday.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Shinjuku accounts for nearly 10% of approximately 42,000 short-term rental properties in Japan. The ward is known for its commercial and entertainment district, while many permanent residents also live there.
Residents' complaints
Residents complain about tourists who do not follow garbage disposal rules, smoke in prohibited areas, make noise, or enter other people's property. The number of complaints about short-term rental properties in the fiscal year ending in March increased by about 40%.
In July, the Japan Tourism Agency granted municipalities the authority to regulate short-term guest accommodation if it threatens a peaceful residential or educational environment or hinders the preservation of the permanent population and local community. Kyoto is also considering a ban on short-term rentals, but only for new properties in residential and industrial areas.
