NYC is very EXPENSIVE but if you follow the AirBNB instructions, and communicate with the person renting their unit, you will have saved a bundle of money. AirBNB has round-the-clock help on their 800 number, and there are ways that you can check about the validity of a listing, by doing a search for the address, talking with the renter, communicating with them through e-mail, and by ONLY paying through AirBNB, so you know where your money is! Logic, eveyone, logic!

Non-hosted means that you'll have the place to yourself, not that it is a scam, for heaven's sake. There always needs to be someone to greet you when you arrive, and to see you when you depart, but the rest of the time you have your own apartment, not a share of someone elses space! Just follow the AirBNB policies, only pay through them, and communicate with your host and you'll be in good shape! It would hurt to do a search to make certain that the address is legit, either! Just saying....

Hi. My daughter and I will be staying (hopefully) in NYC. Do people have some advice about using Airnbnb? We need something cheap, safe and with no bedbugs.... that's about all.

I really know close to nothing about doing something like this, but I have been a hostle user all my life.

I'm interested in renting out my NYC apartment via airbnb when I'm on vacation, but I'm curious about arrivals and departures of the guests.

If I'm leaving for vacation the day that the renters arrive, how do I make sure they get their keys, etc? I'd appreciate feedback from people who have rented before.

Also, do you clear away all personal items, or just leave your apartment as is, but with clean sheets and towels?

I had a great experience using airbnb.com
I had a great place to stay and the people at airbnb were very helpful.
Julie

Airbnb seem to be scamming the UK VAT dept, i thought that all businesses that make supplies or services in the UK should be paying 20% UK VAT if they turn over more than £73K Airbnb say they are not paying VAT on their 12% mark up or their 3% admin fee they charge the host, they even have an office in the UK, why should all the UK businesses that do the same as them have to pay this 20% VAT while they do not? Any accountants or VAT specialists know the answer?

I am a host with a group similar to Airbnb. I also advertise with Airbnb. If you follow there rules it should all work to plan. I have hosted to amazing guests from all over the world and have had excellent results. All money transactions are handled by Airbnb etc... You can communicate with your guest to get a feel of their intentions. Ask questions... never send money external of the site and if it feels okay then go with the gut feeling... I have made amazing friendships and will be visiting people on my next trip and using Air or the other site I am a host for. Happy travels, hosting and being a guest... I wish I could ention the other well known site...

Yes, Airbnb is a scam. Not all the time, but there have been numerous reports on line regarding this fact. We are also not getting the people who have had complaints but didn't put it online.

By contract airbnb keeps the money until one day after you check in. However, they will often change this contract for no reason whatsoever and not pay you the full amount. I do not know if airbnb keeps the rest or refunds the buyer or what, but their message is that the can change the amount of money given for any reason under contract. What they do not seem to understand is that legally this is post-facto, or after the fact of the booking, so the contract cannot be changed at that time.

Their customer service is friendly, but unfortunately, they are a scam operation in that they do not report what they do with the withheld money. IF they are making any kind of interest off of it, or investing it or what.

Check online under airbnb lawsuit or airbnb scam and you will see what I am talking about.

If you want to rent units / room, why don't you try VRBO or B&B in NYC area? I am sure
you will find the place with those websites bedsides airbnb.

I'm a New York City History Detective & Educator making my way through every neighborhood in each borough of the city every 2 weeks doing research for museums, libraries, and for unique expeditions that I lead.

I find my locations using AirBNB, Craig's List, and CouchSurfing. If you pay through AirBNB with a credit card you shouldn't have a problem as you will not get charged until you check in to your location and approve it. If you pay anyone outside of a web site through a money transfer- you can consider your money gone. I've met so many con artists from all over the world that come here to take advantage of tourists through my research.

If you do get stuck as many here in this list have, consider trying to find a last minute person to help you via CouchSurfing.com. There are also tons of low cost, legitimate hostels all over the city (especially in upper Manhattan).