Calls to introduce rules on Airbnbs in Thanet were shot down last night with Conservatives demanding more information was needed.

The holiday letting service has been criticised by residents, business owners and prospective renters alike, as Airbnb properties outnumber regular rental properties in the district.

At a full Thanet council meeting on Thursday, Margate Cllr Rob Yates (Lab) submitted a motion to implement a 90-day-a-year limit on entire home Airbnb rentals.

This limit was started in Greater London five years ago to free up housing after similar problems.

Cllr Yates said: “The stats show that 33% of residents in Thanet are renters. There’s been a 400% growth in Airbnbs from 2016 to 2019.

“There are over 300 Airbnb rental properties available in Margate, but only 15 normal rental properties available.

“Our own council and the Kent Fire and Rescue service have confirmed they don’t know exactly how many Airbnbs exist in Thanet”.

He also asked leader of Thanet Council, Cllr Ash Ashbee, to request a meeting with Marie Lorimer, the UK public policy manager at Airbnb, to discuss introducing the limit.

Cllr Ruth Bailey (Ind) provided anecdotal evidence of the situation. “I even know of a lady in her 80s in a desperate situation who has been issued a section 21 notice (eviction) but cannot find anywhere to rent so she’s temporarily staying with her brother," she said.

“There currently seems to be a real issue around the lack of available rental property and this unavailability seems to be exacerbated, at least in part, by Airbnbs”.

However the motion was defeated, as Cllr Jill Bayford (Con) said more information was needed before action could be taken by the council.

She said: “There is no current requirement to register an Airbnb or any other form of holiday let besides hotels.

“As a result we don’t currently hold definitive figures, however Airbnb has indicated that their platform has up to 1,316 properties in Thanet.

“A 2019 survey by visitkent identified 1,089 active Airbnb rentals in Thanet, which does suggest the recent change in people holidaying in the UK following the pandemic has fuelled a rise in the number of Airbnbs in Thanet.

“Although we are committed to limit the impact of Airbnbs on the rental market, this administration doesn’t feel it is appropriate to introduce any policy changes concerning Airbnb without quantifying the actual impact on the market.

“This administration is permitted to exploring whether new policies from prospective Airbnbs might be beneficial, but these must be measured and reasonable.

“On this basis we do not believe debating this motion is helpful."

In response, Ms Lorimer said: "Airbnb takes housing concerns seriously and always welcomes the opportunity to work with governments on solutions.

"In recent months, Airbnb has put forward a series of proposals designed to support local authorities and communities such as Thanet to ensure the responsible recovery of tourism in their areas.

"The UK government is addressing the issue of data and transparency by taking forward our recommendation and that of many communities and local authorities across the UK to introduce a registration system.

"Airbnb has also called for further guidance to help local authorities with planning.

"We want to continue working with political leaders like you to make sure that this industry benefits all of your constituents, many of whom are also Hosts and guests using Airbnb.

"I have spoken to Cllr Yates and Thanet District Council ahead of the motion to clarify our position and hope you will support the proportionate, national regulation we have called for – rather than local rules which risk damaging the area's economy as it continues the recovery from Covid-19."

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