Partner Todd Soloway, head of Pryor Cashman’s Hotel + Hospitality and Real Estate Litigation Groups, spoke with Law360 for a recent article examining key legislative and regulatory developments expected to impact the hospitality industry in 2017.

New Regulatory Challenges for New Yorkers Using Airbnb 

While Law360 projects that 2017 will be another big year for online homestay network Airbnb, the company has faced serious regulatory challenges in New York State in the past. In October 2016, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill which outlawed the advertisement of Airbnb accommodations anywhere in New York. Violations of the new law carried fines ranging from $1,000 to $7,500.

Airbnb sued to prevent enforcement of the law, but eventually settled with New York State and New York City pursuant to an agreement that neither would take action against the company for violations of the law. However, as Soloway explained, “the agreements have no effect on Airbnb hosts – only the company.”

He went on to tell Law360: “On the face of the statute, it makes no distinction between hosts and the company itself, but the resolution of that case was to give injunctive relief to Airbnb themselves from direct enforcement of the statute.”

The hospitality industry and related businesses are expected to vigilantly monitor how the new law is enforced in 2017. As Soloway emphasized: “The statute is meaningless without enforcement.”

The full article can be viewed here.   

More About Soloway’s Practice

Recognized as a top real estate attorney in the United States, Soloway is sought after for his sound judgment, business-oriented vision and extensive trial and complex deal experience. He represents a wide variety of clients in real estate financings and transactions around the world, advising on all aspects of deals, including acquisitions, sales, dispositions, development, leasing and “white knight” transactions.

To learn more about his work, please visit here.