NYPD seizes several vans used as illegal Airbnb rentals

||| FROM NEWSWEEK |||

Police in New York City impounded seven vans that were being used as illegal Airbnb rentals for the past two years. Some of the vans faced numerous parking violations and expired registrations.

© Darieus/Getty Images The NYPD has launched an investigation into the illegal Airbnb rentals that were advertised as an inexpensive “glamping” experience in the middle of New York City.

On Saturday the NYC Sheriff’s Office official Twitter account posted photos of the vans seized by Road Patrol Deputies on various streets throughout Manhattan. The vans were advertised on the popular short-term rental app Airbnb for just $100 a night, compared to the average $200 plus a night in NYC.

In April, New York City officials passed legislation making it illegal to rent apartments for fewer than 30 days in the majority of housing buildings. Airbnb renters who violate the new legislation can face severe penalties including eviction and fines up to $7,500.

The vans were promoted for inexpensive “glamping” on the streets of New York City and were described as spacious private rooms that could sleep up to three, the New York Post reported. “Glamp in a spacious camper Van in NYC!” one ad read. Five of the vans were parked in NYC’s East Village.

The vans were seized after a traffic enforcement agent noticed several of the vans had out-of-state plates that were long expired. Some had registrations that expired before 2000, the Post reported.

All seven of the vans were impounded throughout Thursday and into Friday, authorities told the Post.

Following an investigation launched by the NYPD Sheriff’s office and the NYPD Document Fraud Unit, authorities found that these vans were part of an “operation of alleged fraudulent and illegally registered vehicles being used as Airbnb rentals on various streets in Manhattan,” Sheriff Joseph Fucito told the Post.

One guest who spent a night in a red 1999 Ford Econline with New Jersey plates in the East Village said the experience was interesting. Uptin Saiidi, a journalist and video creator from California, was sold on the inexpensive rental in a prime location for just $97 a night.

Saiidi documented his entire experience in a video posted on his YouTube back on August 11. He said the key that was left for him in the lockbox on the back of the van only unlocked the door but did not start the engine.

He also said when he arrived at the van he noticed a parking ticket from the night before. He was immediately concerned.

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