New surcharge on Chicago house-sharing services proposed

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Getting a vacation rental through services like Airbnb in Chicago could soon be more expensive.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration is rallying around a proposed ordinance for a new surcharge on house-sharing businesses.

That charge on the bills of guests would double from the current 2 percent up to 4 percent.

Supporters of the idea say the money could be used to fund city programs that help homeless people.

Airbnb has opposed any surcharge, saying it is unfair to people who rent out their homes.