Airbnb drops lawsuit against NYC over new state law

This Oct. 14, 2013 screen shot provided by Airbnb from their website shows a typical search for listings of rooms to rent, in this case in the Queens borough of New York, through Airbnb. (Airbnb / AP Photo)

NEW YORK -- Airbnb has agreed to drop a lawsuit against New York City over a new state law it said could have deterred hosts and impaired its revenues.

The settlement was reached Friday.

The law levies hefty fines against those who offer to rent out their entire living space for less than 30 days.

Supporters say it's necessary because some property owners take apartments that could be homes for city residents out of circulation.

Airbnb said the law rewarded the hotel industry at the expense of ordinary New Yorkers.

It says it'll work with the city on how the law will be enforced.

Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal who wrote the law calls the settlement "an astounding about-face" by Airbnb.