San Francisco creates short-term rental agency

San Francisco

SAN Francisco Mayor Ed Lee announced the creation of a new agency on Thursday to oversee short-term rentals like those arranged by Airbnb, which matches people wishing to rent out all or part of their homes to temporary guests.

The new department, the Office of Short-Term Rental Administration and Enforcement, will manage rental applications as well as coordinate efforts to pursue violators of the city's laws and complaints. The move comes roughly a month after a city committee moved to limit the length of stays for short-term rentals, amid concerns from opponents who say they may drive up prices for long-term renters.