European Court of Justice backs French law regulating Airbnb

Europe's top court on Tuesday upheld France's law requiring municipal authorisation for short-term property rentals by platforms like Airbnb, a decision that may open the way for several European cities to take action. "Combatting the long-term rental housing shortage constitutes an overriding reason relating to the public interest justifying such legislation," the European Court of Justice said, throwing out a challenge. An alliance of 22 European cities has been pushing for tougher rules to Airbnb and other short-term rental platforms, accusing them of driving up property prices by turning residences into de facto hotels. >> Read more: Paris mayor's race takes a run at...