San Francisco may become the second California city in a month to limit length of stays arranged by accommodation services such as Airbnb, which matches people wishing to rent out all or part of their homes to temporary guests.

A city committee last week advanced a proposal that would limit hosts to renting accommodation to no more than 60 days a year, down from 90 currently.

Airbnb has grown quickly over the past few years as more travellers have come to trust the concept.

The company is valued at far more than €9 billion, with analysts assuming it can overcome any major regulatory backlash.

Airbnb says that if the law passes, it would hurt those middle-class San Franciscans who earn extra income from renting out their homes, as well deprive the city of tax revenue they bring.

Proposal would make it easier for neighbours to sue Airbnb and others if they believe short-term rentals break the law

Critics say that most houses and apartments are not appropriate for short-term rentals on an ongoing basis, saying such arrangements create a transitory atmosphere and could also drive up the prices for long-term renters.

The committee’s proposal would also make it easier for neighbours and others to sue Airbnb and similar services if they believe short-term rentals do not comply with the law.

Currently, such violations go through the city planning department.

The full Board of Supervisors plans to vote on the measure on June 9.

The previous week, California tourist hub Santa Monica put its own restrictions on Airbnb and similar services.

It banned all rentals of less than a month unless the primary resident is also staying on the property at the time.