Summary of New York Vacation Rentals
- Introduction to New York City
- The Benefits of Vacation Rentals
- Understanding Illegal Vacation Rentals
- Key Tips for Renting Apartments in New York
Haven’t you always wanted to visit New York City? It took us years to finally visit because we always thought it was too expensive. But our New York vacation rentals made it affordable.
The Truth about New York Vacation Rentals
When we finally made it in 2010, we stayed in a low-budget hotel that had a shared bathroom and a tiny cramped bed. Although we got to see New York, it wasn’t exactly the fairytale vacation that we always wanted. Fast forward years later, and we now feel that we’ve experienced New York in style on a budget with New York Vacation Rentals.
Our trip began in Brooklyn, where we stayed in a historic brownstone apartment. Having the chance to reside in a residential neighborhood and experiencing life the way a true New Yorker does made us feel a real part of the city. How incredible it was to walk up the steps of our brownstone, imagining that we actually lived in one of the most vibrant cities on earth!
We dined at local eateries, thanks to the recommendations of Roman, the owner of our apartment. We stopped at the local wine shop, ordered coffee at the neighborhood coffee shop, and rode the subway like seasoned New Yorkers. Consequently, we felt at home in New York.
Rather than being like the typical tourists snapping photos of the Statue of Liberty or the bull on Wall Street, we were experiencing New York City the way locals do. We walked around Williamsburg with a latte, strolled along the banks of the East River in DUMBO, and even headed over to Coney Island for a hot dog. This lifestyle could become a cherished routine for us.
Illegal New York Vacation Rentals Explained
Not only do you feel like a local when you stay in an apartment, but you also save a lot of money. You can prepare meals at home, thus freeing up your budget to explore the city, and enjoy accommodations in more affordable neighborhoods, avoiding the tourist traps. For families needing more than one bedroom, renting a larger apartment can lead to significant savings.
However, in New York, many vacation apartment rentals are illegal, and it’s crucial to understand the regulations regarding rentals to protect yourself.
Vacation apartment rental laws vary by city, region, and country, making it essential for travelers to understand these rules before renting accommodation.
New York is known for its many illegal apartment rentals. While platforms like HouseTrip ensure that all hosts comply with their terms and conditions (which stipulate adherence to local holiday rental laws), it’s challenging to verify all 250,000 listings. Nevertheless, they have implemented measures to ensure customer protection.
There are legal vacation apartment rentals in New York. Knowing what to look for will help you experience an authentic local experience. We spoke with Roman of Historic Brownstones to better understand why certain apartments are illegal and what to consider when booking your accommodations.
What To Look For When Renting An Apartment In New York
Beware Of Apartments In High Rises
In New York, if a property seems to be in a high-rise building with more than three apartments, it might be illegal. New York is taking measures to prevent the accumulation of residential spaces to be used exclusively as vacation rentals.
Seek shared spaces, self-contained apartments within single houses (like those carved out of space in a freestanding brownstone), or individual homes. These options are typically legal according to existing laws.
Look for Privately Owned Units That Are Family Run
New York aims to prevent condos and co-ops from monopolizing valuable real estate for commercial uses. Rental properties should be accessible to families or individuals who could otherwise reside there.
For example, units in brownstones are often single-family homes that have legally renovated apartments for vacation rental purposes.
While booking a vacation rental comes with risks, following these tips and utilizing platforms like VRBO can significantly minimize those risks.
If you stay informed, make educated decisions, and conduct thorough research, a vacation apartment rental can allow you to enjoy a memorable and cost-effective experience in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
