This week, authorities seized seven illegally documented vans used as Airbnb rentals for “glamping” on New York City streets.
The posts, which have been removed from the site, advertised the vans for less than $100 a night. “Glamp in a spacious camper Van in NYC!” The New York Post reports the listings read.
But a traffic enforcement agent noticed the vans had expired New Jersey plates and registrations. Some of the registrations had expired more than two decades ago.
After a joint investigation between the NYPD and the city Sheriff’s office, the vehicles were removed from the street on Thursday and Friday.
The “operation of alleged fraudulent and illegally registered vehicles being used as Airbnb rentals on various streets in Manhattan” was uncovered during the investigation, according to Sheriff Joseph Fucito.
All of the vehicles were linked to a verified profile on the Airbnb site. It’s not clear if the host, “Nancy,” owns any of the vans.
California-based journalist and video creator Uptin Saiidi posted a YouTube video detailing a night spent in one of the impounded vans. Saiidi spent the night in a red 1999 Ford Econoline van parked on East 2nd Street.
Saiidi admitted he was initially attracted to the $97 a night price but immediately noticed red flags. One major issue is the lack of bathroom facilities. The listing instructs guests to various public locations to relieve themself.
He also found a parking ticket on the van, which should have tipped him off that something wasn’t quite right. Sleeping overnight in a vehicle is legal, according to the city’s Department of Transportation. However, it cannot remain parked in the same spot for 24 hours in certain areas and not in excess of seven days.
According to the Sheriff’s office, the investigation into the listings is still ongoing.
