San Jose city council approves tax on Airbnb rentals

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Wednesday, December 10, 2014
San Jose may become third US city to impose Airbnb taxes
San Jose city council members are discussing a proposal that would add a 10-percent tax to Airbnb guests.

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- The San Jose City Council has voted to enforce a 10 percent tax on people who book a short term rental home on Airbnb.

It's the same amount that's already charged to rooms on traditional hotels. Last night's vote also legalizes the online home sharing service which was technically prohibited even though about 300 San Jose homeowners were still renting out rooms or even their entire home.

San Jose joins San Francisco and Portland in enforcing the country's first airbnb taxes with many other cities expected to follow suit.