For generations, small, family-owned, Latino-run restaurants like mine have been an integral part of our communities, offering affordable and diverse food options across the five boroughs. We welcome both neighbors and visitors to enjoy the unique dining experiences that make New York City special. But as we continue working to recover from the challenges of the pandemic, a new policy is making it even harder for small businesses like ours to thrive: the City’s strict regulations on short-term rentals, which have significantly reduced the number of tourists in our neighborhoods.
Unlike the busy tourist hubs of Midtown, my two small restaurants on Dyckman Street – and many other Latino-owned restaurants uptown and in the outer boroughs, rely on a mix of local patrons and visitors who stay nearby. In many of these areas, traditional hotels aren’t an option, so travelers visiting family, friends, or simply exploring a different part of the city would often stay in Airbnbs. These visitors dined at our restaurants, shopped at our stores, and supported small businesses owned by Black and Brown entrepreneurs. Now, with the majority of short-term rentals banned, we’re seeing far fewer of those guests, and our businesses are feeling the impact.
The real issue isn’t New Yorkers renting out a spare room – it’s a broader challenge tied to development and affordability. Meanwhile, the restrictions on short-term rentals have unintentionally hurt small businesses, particularly in areas where visitors once had a place to stay. Without these options, many travelers simply don’t come to our neighborhoods, and the economic benefits they bring are being lost.
Additionally, the requirement that a host must remain in the home while renting it out has created unnecessary complications. Most tourists don’t need constant supervision, and for homeowners, this rule adds an extra layer of inconvenience.
We’re urging the City Council consider a more balanced approach— one that allows homeowners who live in their one- or two- family homes to offer short-term rentals. Specifically, we propose three practical adjustments to Local Law 18: expanding the number of guests from two to four, removing the requirement that hosts be present at all times, and allowing hosts to restrict access to certain areas of their homes. As New York’s cost of living skyrockets, these three small but meaningful changes will help restore financial opportunities that have been lost under the current law.
If New York City truly wants to support small businesses, policies must reflect the realities of how our local economies function. My organization represents independent restaurants across Manhattan, Brooklyn, The Bronx, Queens, and Westchester. The benefits of tourism shouldn’t be limited to Times Square – we need visitors to support businesses in all neighborhoods, not just the most well-known destinations.
It’s time for the City to reconsider its approach to short-term rental regulations. By allowing responsible homeowners to rent out their spaces again, we can ensure that the economic benefits reach businesses across all boroughs. The future of neighborhood restaurants like mine depend on it.
Sandra Jaquez is president of the New York State Latino Restaurant Bar & Lounge Association.
