Abstract

Mark Wissel*

The phenomenon of Airbnb has significantly permeated the urban housing markets of major USA. This qualitative analysis meticulously examines its wide-ranging impacts, exploring Airbnb’s operational model, regulatory challenges and its influence on housing availability, prices, and neighborhood dynamics. The research aggregates insights from various sources, including academic articles, web-based resources and case studies, providing a nuanced understanding of the intricate balance states are endeavoring to achieve between the economic opportunities Airbnb presents and the potential strains it places on local housing markets. The paper also scrutinizes the evolving policy frameworks and their effectiveness in mitigating the impacts of short-term rental platforms. Furthermore, it deliberates on future trends in the short-term rental market and the wider implications for the sharing economy. Concluding, the paper acknowledges the limitations of the qualitative method and suggests areas for future in-depth research, aiming to offer insightful contributions to policymakers, researchers and urban planners engaged in urban housing discourse in the United States.