Airbnb is often seen as an affordable alternative to hotels around the world. In an expensive city like New York, finding ways to save on accommodation is especially appealing. But did you know that Airbnb can be a gray area here? Here’s what you need to know.
When is Airbnb allowed?
A law introduced in January 2022 made short-term rentals in New York more restrictive. You can only book a rental if:
- Your stay is 30 nights or longer.
- The host is present if your stay is shorter than 30 nights.
That makes Airbnb a less practical option for a vacation in New York.
Although the law had been in place for some time, enforcement was limited. Visitors could still book Airbnbs for short stays without the host being present because neither Airbnb nor the city was checking this.
What does this mean for you?
Enforcement of the new law began on September 5, 2023.
Hosts who want to continue offering Airbnbs or other short-term rentals must register with the city. They need a registration number to list a room or apartment on platforms such as Airbnb.
As a result, there are fewer listings than before. The registration process checks whether a property qualifies for short-term rentals. In many New York buildings, subletting is prohibited by law or by the terms of the lease.
As a guest, you weren’t at risk before, and that remains the case. When you book an apartment or room on a platform such as Airbnb, you can assume that the host and listing have been checked beforehand.
Alternatively, you can look for Airbnbs across the Hudson River in New Jersey, where short-term rentals are still possible. Focus on Jersey City, Hoboken, and Weehawken, which all offer convenient connections to Manhattan.
Affordable hotels in New York
If you want to save on accommodation, I recommend looking at budget hotels. These are my three recommendations, with central locations in Midtown and Lower Manhattan:
