Officials: NYCHA tenants put up unit for rent on Airbnb

ByEyewitness News WABC logo
Sunday, November 10, 2019
Officials: NYCHA tenants put up unit for rent on Airbnb
Officials say NYCHA tenants in Chelsea rented a unit on Airbnb.

CHELSEA, Manhattan (WABC) -- It was a NYCHA no-no in Chelsea.

There is evidence that tenants of a public housing apartment put their unit up for rent on Airbnb.

The apartment is in the NYCHA complex that stretches from 25th to 28th Streets between 9th and 10th Avenues.

A mother and daughter booked a unit for $90 a night. They wound up reporting the official tenant.

Boston resident Rachel Valerio told The New York Times that the apartment was highly rated on Airbnb but it smelled like gas and there was a roach trap next to the bed.

Now there is talk of city council hearings on the matter.

Airbnb says it was unaware of the situation, and it supports a ban on rentals in affordable housing.

NYCHA released a statement:

"Illegal subletting of NYCHA apartments on Airbnb is prohibited by HUD regulations and by our lease agreements. We are investigating the matter."

----------

* More Manhattan news

* Send us a news tip

* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts

* Follow us on YouTube