Japanese classifieds site Space Market will now add Airbnb-style vacation rentals to its property-sharing platform, responding to legislation limiting lodging time by giving would-be hosts a wider range of rental options.
Nikkei Asian review reports that legislation passed in June will permit short-term home rentals to travelers, a practice known as minpaku in Japan. Space Market will open preregistration for properties Tuesday, with the service to launch after the legislation takes effect next year. It expects to collect commissions from both hosts and guests, determining fees based on prices charged by rival platforms.
The minpaku legislation allows properties to be used as short-term accommodations for up to 180 days a year, raising concerns that hosting may not be worth the cost.
Registering on Space Market will let operators offer properties by the hour for parties or meetings as well, ensuring they can be used year-round.
