Now it’s fighting crime!
Cops this week seized seven illegally documented vans that have been used for at least two years as discount Airbnb rentals, authorities said.
In a series of messages since deleted from the app, the vans have been touted as a very down-to-earth way for tourists to experience the nasty streets of the Big Apple – practically sleeping on them for under $ 100 a night. .
“Glamp in a spacious RV in New York!” An ad came out boasting of a “private room” supposed to accommodate up to three people.
But an eagle-eyed traffic cop noticed something vague about the vehicles – five of which were parked in the East Village – with long-expired registration and NJ plates, some dating back to 2000, according to sources.
Joint investigation by city sheriff’s office and NYPD document fraud unit uncovered “operation of alleged fraudulent and illegally registered vehicles used as Airbnb rentals on various streets of Manhattan,” Sheriff Joseph Fucito said at the Post Saturday.
The sheriff impounded the cars Thursday and Friday, authorities said.
“The vehicles could be taken off the street because they did not match and had expired,” added a police source.
One of the seized pickup trucks – a red 1999 Ford Econline parked on East 2nd Street – offered Californian journalist and video creator Uptin Saiidi a room with a view – not to mention four wheels and an exhaust pipe.
Saïdi, who made a YouTube video of his August 4th stay, said he was initially won over by the ad, which gave him the #VanLife experience for just $ 97.
He said a key – which cannot start the engine – was left with him in a safe in the back of the van.
But he soon noticed a red flag: “When I arrived there was a parking ticket because it was there Tuesday, which was cleaning the streets. I stayed there on a Wednesday, ”he noted.
Another big concern, he admitted, was finding his own accommodation to relieve himself, since the ad warned: “Toilets, shower and lockers are available at a nearby public swimming pool.
“The worst part was the anxiety of knowing where to pee when to go. I got in the van at 10pm and woke up at 7am,” he said, adding that he had found relief at a nearby Equinox.
Sleeping was another problem, he continued.
“What’s interesting is how badly I slept because people are walking right next to you. There are people literally outside walking and talking and cars trying to parallel park next to you all night, ”Saiidi said, describing his stay in the“ smelly ”van as“ awful ”.
When contacted for comment, Airbnb asked the Post to reach a settlement agreement with the New York City Office of Special Sanctions, which requires the platform to share tenant and unit information. with the city. The company has not been cited by authorities, the sources said.
The company has a verified check mark next to an account photo of the mysterious “Nancy,” which garnered several positive reviews this month from users gushing about their “Superfun! Adventure,” or kvelling that the van was a “Perfect place to stay for a couple!
In her profile on the app, Nancy wrote: “I love to travel and explore the world. I am a fan of tiny and unique houses. Hoping to share some of the van life experience with all travelers! I’ve lived in New York all my life, so I can recommend the best places to see, eat and go! ”
It was not clear if Nancy owned one or all of the vans and authorities would not comment on their ownership.
Sleeping in a van at night is legal, as long as it is not parked in one place for 24 hours in restricted areas, according to the city’s Department of Transportation.
When parking is not otherwise restricted, no one should park a vehicle in an area, including a residential area, for more than seven consecutive days, the agency’s rules note. Fines typically start at $ 115, the NYPD said.
The sheriff’s office did not comment further except to say that “the investigation into this matter is ongoing.”
An Airbnb ad since deleted for one of these New York vans
UPDATE: NYC IS OPEN and at full capacity in almost every area and this van has all the amenities you need for a restful stay!
Here’s what’s included:
• A double bed with clean sheets
• A power station to charge your phone, laptops and any other electronic device so you are charged for the day.
• Small apartment style windows with mesh under the large window that you can simply open for fresh air and ventilation.
• Curtains on all windows to block and ensure complete privacy.
• String lights for comfortable lighting
• Vanity mirror
• Earplugs for noise cancellation
• Public toilets with shower available!
If there is anything you think I missed or if you have any questions, please let me know!
Other things to note
Please note that the RV is located in East Village, Manhattan and occasionally moves a few blocks from the address listed. Public / shared toilets and showers available nearby!
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