Crain’s: Temporary health care workers could be a lifeline for city’s Airbnbs
September 01, 2023 New York City has implemented a law, effective after Labor Day, to regulate short-term rental listings. Hosts must register for rentals under 30 days, with compliance requiring adherence to housing laws prohibiting whole-unit rentals for less than a month. Only 199 units were registered as of August 14th. Hosts are exploring legal alternatives, such as targeting visitors planning month-long stays, including travel nurses, allied health workers, and health career trainees. Platforms like Nursesbnb are emerging to cater to this demand, offering safe and affordable housing options vetted to prevent scams. Travel nurses, typically signing 13-week contracts, receive housing stipends, often preferring full-month rentals for convenience and cost-effectiveness. Northwell Health’s FlexStaff no longer assists with housing due to the prevalence of Airbnb. Some Airbnb hosts have hosted medical professionals and patients’ families due to proximity to hospitals. The availability of 30-day rentals also benefits healthcare students like Anthony Franco, who received support through programs like LaGuardia Cares, aiding his academic success.