New regulations imposed this week mean only registered hosts will be able to accept guests for fewer than 30 days on platforms such as VRBO and Airbnb, and they must be in the abode at the same time as those who are renting from them.

In addition, no more than two guests are allowed at a time, effectively ending bookings for families and party groups.

Officials in the city say they have already received over 3,800 applications from people wanting to register as hosts, but less than 300 have been approved so far.

Airbnb - which offered over 38,000 'non-hotel' listings in New York at the beginning of the year - had fought against the restrictions, but since 21 August, they have been stopping reservations for properties run by hosts who couldn't provide either their city registration number or proof they have made an application.

The company's global policy director, Theo Yedinsky, branded the regulations a blow to “the thousands of New Yorkers and small businesses in the outer boroughs who rely on home sharing and tourism dollars to help make ends meet”.

He added: “The city is sending a clear message to millions of potential visitors who will now have fewer accommodation options when they visit New York City: ‘You are not welcome.' "