Tenant Fined for Renting Apartment on Airbnb

Recently, an administrative judge levied a fine against a resident who rented out his apartment on a short-term basis through Airbnb, a company that facilitates short-term rentals. The administrative law judge with the New York City Environmental Control Board stated that he had violated a city law against operating illegal hotels. According to a 2010 law, it’s illegal in NYC to rent out a home for fewer than 29 days.

The city initially asked him to pay $7,200 total in fees, but the judge reduced the fine to $2,400 after dismissing two alleged building code violations. In a statement, Airbnb said it was considering its options, including a possible appeal. The judge stated in the decision that he had treated the Airbnb company as an adviser and not a litigant.