Airbnb has removed 80% of listings from Japanese hosts who had not gained clearance for private home sharing under a law set to take effect on 15 June. The move follows the introduction in April by Tokyo mayor Yuriko Koike and other local officials of an ordinance that would require all short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb, VRBO or Airbnb removed the listings earlier than expected because the Japan Tourism Agency told home sharing firms they must cancel bookings for unregistered hosts. Other home-share operators may follow suit.
Airbnb has removed 80% of listings from Japanese hosts who had not gained clearance for private home sharing under a law set to take effect on 15 June. The number of properties listed has fallen from 62,000 to about 13,800 after the law, called minpaku, demanded hosts obtain a permit or certification in a special economic zone. Airbnb removed the listings earlier than expected because the Japan Tourism Agency told home sharing firms they must cancel bookings for unregistered hosts. Other home-share operators may follow suit.