Airbnb Releases NYC Data

Stats reveal some conflict with state policy.

Brian Chesky, co-founder of Airbnb (AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

This is your first of three free stories this month. Become a free or sustaining member to read unlimited articles, webinars and ebooks.

Become A Member

Airbnb released new data about its business in New York City, offering anonymized statistics regarding active online vacation rentals (what Airbnb calls “home sharing”) in the last year.

“We hope this data will provide additional facts and insight to everyone who is interested in responsible home sharing in New York City,” Airbnb noted in the report. “We remain committed to working with policymakers and elected officials on clear, fair rules for home sharing. Additionally, we strongly oppose large-scale speculators who turn dozens of apartments into illegal hotel rooms. Illegal hotels are not in the interests of our guests, our hosts, our company, or the cities where Airbnb hosts share their space.”

Airbnb announced a transparency pledge last month, a move that could help the company get along better with some city officials. But the New York data — about almost 60,000 listings — illustrates how some Airbnb hosts might be breaking state law.

Gothamist points out that the full data — which can be viewed after making an appointment at Airbnb’s office in New York — shows that 55 percent of Airbnb hosts rent out their entire apartments while they’re gone, as opposed to a single room, which may be illegal in the state of New York depending on the length of the renter’s stay.

Other data highlights, according to Airbnb: 95 percent of home hosts share only one listing, 90 percent of hosts surveyed say the property is their permanent home, and the median supplemental income earned from Airbnb participation in the region is $5,110.

Like what you’re reading? Get a browser notification whenever we post a new story. You’re signed-up for browser notifications of new stories. No longer want to be notified? Unsubscribe.

Marielle Mondon is an editor and freelance journalist in Philadelphia. Her work has appeared in Philadelphia City Paper, Wild Magazine, and PolicyMic. She previously reported on communities in Northern Manhattan while earning an M.S. in journalism from Columbia University.

Follow Marielle .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

Tags: new york cityaffordable housingbig dataairbnb

×
Next City App Never Miss A StoryDownload our app ×
×

You've reached your monthly limit of three free stories.

This is not a paywall. Become a free or sustaining member to continue reading.

  • Read unlimited stories each month
  • Our email newsletter
  • Webinars and ebooks in one click
  • Our Solutions of the Year magazine
  • Support solutions journalism and preserve access to all readers who work to liberate cities

Join 1099 other sustainers such as:

  • Gabby at $5/Month
  • Abigail at $10/Month
  • Gloria at $5/Month

Already a member? Log in here. U.S. donations are tax-deductible minus the value of thank-you gifts. Questions? Learn more about our membership options.

or pay by credit card:

All members are automatically signed-up to our email newsletter. You can unsubscribe with one-click at any time.

  • Donate $20 or $5/Month

    20th Anniversary Solutions of the Year magazine

has donated ! Thank you 🎉
Donate
×