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New York short-term apartment rentals to become illegal
Traveling to New York on a budget? Well, you just lost an option. Governor David Paterson just put his signature on a bill banning short-term vacation apartment rentals in New York City. Unless you're renting an apartment for 30 days or longer, you're out of luck. Originally, he said he'd veto the measure.According USA Today, Paterson says the new law:
"... fixes problems caused by illegal hotels and improves quality of life in traditional residential apartment buildings, while also meeting the needs of visitors. By removing a legal gray area and replacing it with a clear definition of permanent occupancy, the law will allow enforcement efforts that help New Yorkers who live in SRO units and other types of affordable housing preserve their homes."
Mayor Michael Bloomberg came out in support of the law, USA Today continues:
"When housing designated for permanent occupancy is illegally converted into a hotel, unsafe conditions are created, the residential character of City neighborhoods is harmed and the supply of much-needed units of housing is depleted," added New York Mayor Michael A. Bloomberg. "The bill provides a clear definition of what constitutes transient and permanent occupancy, which will allow City agencies to issue summonses and initiate other enforcement actions against illegal hotels."
The law is ostensibly designed to protect New Yorkers, but could have an effect on the lower end of the tourism industry here. It takes effect May 1, 2011.
What about everyone else, the tourists coming to visit and looking for cheap digs? You can always find bargain in New York ... well, almost. Your best bet is to read Melanie Nayer's stuff: she always has some great tips.
[photo by Randy Lemoine via Flickr]
What about everyone else, the tourists coming to visit and looking for cheap digs? You can always find bargain in New York ... well, almost. Your best bet is to read Melanie Nayer's stuff: she always has some great tips.
[photo by Randy Lemoine via Flickr]
Filed under: North America, United States, Hotels and Accommodations
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
james Jul 25th 2010 6:37PM
I know little of this, but to jump to a conclusion, the hotel industry and lobbyists have the government by the short hairs. Money speaks yet again.
Raquel @ AiresLibre Personal Travel Jul 25th 2010 8:55PM
Terrible for all of us who often use vacation rentals in NYC.
Meg Jul 25th 2010 10:34PM
So this means no VRBO rentals in NYC?? That certainly puts a crimp in travelers' choices.
Moody75 Jul 26th 2010 3:02AM
Paris is doing the same thing;
https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/07/business/global/07rent.html
nzm Jul 26th 2010 5:35PM
Barcelona did it last year.
LostGirlsWorld Jul 29th 2010 12:45PM
Okay, I thought of a way around this. You can always rent out your apartment for 31 days (or longer) for the same price that you would charge, for say, 3 or 4. Officially, the contract is for the legal length of time--but you, the owner/renter would simply have to agree privately with your "tenant" that you're actually coming back 27 days earlier than you'd expected.