Airbnb urges U.S. government to alter rules for hosts during coronavirus crisis

Airbnb is urging lawmakers in the U.S. to change federal financial rules so that impact of the coronavirus outbreak can be less damaging to hosts.

In a letter to the speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, as well as the Republican Party leader in the house, Kevin McCarthy, Airbnb is asking for four alterations to existing tax and rental regulations.

The company wants to "increase rental income opportunities" by expanding the minimal rental use tax exemption rule from 14 days to 60 days.

Airbnb is also urging a change to Small Business Loan legislation so that short-term rental "solo entrepreneurs" are eligible for Economic Injury Disaster Loans.

It also wants lawmakers to introduce a tax credit or allow for the deduction or deferral of taxes earned by hosts - effectively allowing them to keep more of their supplemental income gained from renting out a property.

Finally, Airbnb wants to see the introduction of a transferable tax credit or incentive for providing low interest loans for hosts.

The letter says the company supports the initiatives being put into place to offer economic relief to the travel and tourism industry during the coronavirus outbreak.

It adds: "However, we are primarily concerned about the everyday people who depend on travel and tourism for their livelihood.

"While Airbnb may be asset-light as compared with some of our travel sector peers, we are community-heavy and we are focused on helping our community weather this crisis."