OAKLAND — The city is considering regulating short-term rentals in private homes, typically arranged through online platforms such as Airbnb, and wants to hear what residents have to say.

Oakland prohibits people from renting a home, apartment, “in-law” unit or even a room for less than a week. However, a quick look at the Airbnb app this week turned up 306 offerings in Oakland. There are at least 10 online platforms like Airbnb for short-term Oakland rentals.

“A lot of people don’t realize it’s illegal,” said Laura Kaminski, of the city’s building department.

In July, the City Council voted to regulate short-term rentals in a way that “protects the residential character of neighborhoods, maintains the quality of life of existing residents and preserves existing rental housing stock, especially affordable rental units.”

Kaminski is in charge of developing any regulations, which would be months away. At Thursday’s meeting, she will present what she has learned so far and listen to residents’ concerns.

Kaminski has met with the East Bay Housing Organization and Airbnb representatives. Airbnb was unwilling to share its data on short-term rental activity in Oakland, which would be key to regulation efforts, she said.

While some welcome the extra cash from renting out a room or place, the short-term rentals have presented problems in many cases.

Neighborhoods have been overwhelmed with additional cars and people coming and going at all hours. There also is the possibility of unsafe living conditions.

Some of the recent Oakland Airbnb listings ranged from a bunk bed a block from the West Oakland BART station listed at $15 per night, to an entire three-bedroom Fruitvale home for $300 a night.

At a time when cities are facing a shortage of affordable housing, the popularity of short-term rentals and the income they can provide has tempted some landlords to take properties off the traditional rental market, reducing the stock of available housing.

Some cities have tried to limit the number of days a property can be made available and demanded that the rentals be in owner-occupied properties.

Oakland levies a 14 percent tax on guests staying at bread-and-breakfast facilities, hotels, motels and lodges. Also, anyone doing business in the city, including renting a house or room, is required to pay a business tax.

The council resolution also states an intention to find ways to ensure both taxes are collected. Unregulated rentals have meant a loss of revenue.

Some cities require those providing short-term rentals to register so the city or the hosting platform can ensure that taxes and fees are paid.

A year after requiring that short-term rentals be registered with the city, San Francisco found last year that only 20 percent of Airbnb’s listings were complying.

The workshop will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in council chambers at City Hall.

If you’re interested

The workshop on possible short-term rental regulations will be 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday in council chambers at Oakland City Hall.