Airbnb removed 3 rental vans in NYC due to complaints of unsanitary conditions.

Airbnb removed 3 rental vans in NYC due to complaints of unsanitary conditions.

Quirky Van Listings in NYC’s Upper East Side Prompt Complaints and Removal from Airbnb Platform

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Earlier this year, if Airbnb users zoomed into New York City’s Upper East Side neighborhood, they could spot three unusual listings. These listings, however, were not for luxe lofts or ritzy apartments in one of NYC’s most expensive neighborhoods. Instead, they were for vans. Starting at $96 a night, guests could rent the “lovely rv place,” the “NYC Van Experience,” or “The NYC RV.” However, these quirky listings have recently come under scrutiny and have now been removed from Airbnb’s platform.

Inside each van, guests could find a mattress, a small sink, and a toilet with a sign that humorously read, “For Emergency USE only please! Please avoid doing #2 here!” While these listings may have appealed to adventurous travelers looking for a unique accommodation experience, they soon became the subject of complaints from neighborhood residents. This led to an investigation by the Daily News, and subsequently, the removal of the listings from Airbnb’s platform.

The main source of complaints from locals was that van guests were using the streets as their bathroom. The vans frequently moved around public parking spots within the neighborhood, but since they lacked a traditional bathroom and shower, guests were instructed to use a nearby apartment’s facilities. However, according to residents, many guests disregarded this instruction and were often seen using the streets as their restroom. The unpleasant smell of urine and feces became a distinct marker of the presence of these vans in the neighborhood.

While some guests left positive reviews on the Airbnb platform, others expressed their dissatisfaction. One guest, named Virgile, complained about the high price for a “mattress in a van on the street” and the inconvenience of having to coordinate shower usage with the host. These less-than-positive reviews contradicted the host’s claim that anything less than a five-star review was considered negative. Ultimately, the negative attention and complaints surrounding these quirky van listings led to their removal from Airbnb.

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The host of these van listings was Magdalena Kulisz, who went by the name Magda Agata on the platform. Kulisz, who is also the co-founder of the networking group Miss Immigrant USA, believed that she didn’t need to register the vans as short-term rentals with the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement. However, a spokesperson for Airbnb clarified that the vans violated the company’s policy, which prohibits hosts from having listings on public land. This violation, along with the complaints and negative attention, resulted in the removal of the listings.

While Airbnb took action by removing the listings, two of the vans appear to still be listed on Tripadvisor. These listings feature the same vans and are hosted by someone named Sha K. The Tripadvisor listings indicate that guests have stayed in these vans for extended periods, claiming to have had positive experiences. However, one of the listings for the “NYC Cozy Van Camper Experience” has received two one-star reviews, with guests expressing discomfort and inconveniences.

The removal of the van listings from Airbnb is a reflection of the company’s commitment to maintaining the quality and integrity of their platform. The case also underscores the ongoing challenges faced by short-term rental hosts in complying with local regulations and ensuring the satisfaction of their guests. While these quirky van listings may have provided an unconventional accommodation option for some travelers, their removal signals a reminder that certain standards and regulations must be met to ensure a positive experience for all parties involved.

Tripadvisor negative reviews of the “NYC Cozy Van Camper Experience”

One reviewer of the “NYC Cozy Van Camper Experience” described it as “an uncomfortable experience with countless inconveniences.” They had difficulties coordinating bathroom usage with the host, as the promised apartment bathroom was not readily accessible. The reviewer also criticized the restriction on using the toilet in the van, which they deemed ridiculous. They ended up having to rely on public restrooms for their needs. Another guest rated the experience with one star, stating, “This ‘van experience’ is not a fun experience.”

Overall, while the quirky van listings in NYC’s Upper East Side initially attracted attention, they ultimately faced backlash and were removed from Airbnb’s platform. The episode serves as a reminder that both hosts and guests must adhere to certain standards and regulations to ensure a positive and respectful experience within the community of short-term rentals.

• AirBnB
• Travel
• TripAdvisor