Testimonials
Lower Manhattan…
“My income is not enough to cover all my expenses and property taxes. I am late on payments, constantly being charged late fees, which increases debts and make it harder to catch up. I used short-term rentals to supplement my income and make ends meet.”
Widow…
“I have lived in my home for 18 years and recently became a widow, losing 80% of my income. This is not enough to cover my expenses, mortgage and property taxes...I used short-term rentals to make ends meet. I own a two-family home, and I am urging you to do something to help change this law.”
Living paycheck to paycheck...
“My fiancé and I have enjoyed hosting short-term rentals in the Rockaways for six years, sharing our love for the area. Now we’re living paycheck to paycheck...dipping into savings. With no financial help, we climbed a mountain to have this little piece of the American Dream, and now we might lose it.”
Owner-occupied homes will soon disappear...
“Without changes to LL18, my family and other owner-occupied homes will soon disappear from your district, which will erode the fabric of our beloved neighborhood. This fabric has made Bed-Stuy so vibrant, welcoming, and exciting for people who make a special trip to experience it.”
Celebrate good faith residents...
“I love Harlem. We all do...I don’t see a good reason to leave “Harlem City.” We want to stay; we need to stay! Please be our voices and give us the tools to. Give us a chance to cherish even more where we live, where we belong. Nobody would even bother to STR their house if they didn't have to...”
Retired, on a fixed income...
“I have lived in my home for 24 years. I am retired, and my monthly fixed Social Security income is not enough to cover my expenses and property taxes.”
Single parent...
“I am a single parent trying to raise my family in NYC. Up until September, I had the ability to rent part of my home to visitors from time to time. This helped me pay my mortgage, property taxes, maintain my property, and have a few extra dollars to take the pressure off living paycheck to paycheck.”
Struggling homeowners find ways to make ends meet...
“I came to this country, learned the language, worked hard to earn my degrees, and made sacrifices to purchase my home. I need the city to allow me to continue renting out my apartment on a short-term basis, which brings in significantly more income and less risk than long-term rentals.”
Red Hook small business owner...
“I am a small business owner and a touring musician who uses the flexibility of STR to make ends meet. Since the new laws...I’ve been financially crippled, unclear how I will continue to meet the responsibilities of my mortgage. It’s a bummer because Red Hook is where I laid my roots here in NYC.”
Born and raised in the Bronx…
“Most of us are just getting by; increases in utilities, construction, and property taxes are at an all-time high. I was born and raised in the Bronx. I don’t want to sell my home to make a profit. I am part of my community and want to continue adding value to the South Bronx.”
A disservice to both residents and visitors alike...
“Without the supplemental income from short-term rentals, many homeowners like me are facing the prospect of having to sell our cherished properties. This not only threatens our financial stability but also undermines the diversity and vitality of our neighborhoods.”
I welcomed predominantly families visiting as tourists...
“I supplemented my income by renting out a unit in my building for short-term stays. These guests supported local eateries, shopped at neighborhood markets and bodegas, and frequented nearby coffee shops. Local Law 18 has now barred these travelers...impacting my income and New York’s financial health.”
Affordability crisis in Clinton Hill…
“I don't want to be another victim of NYC's affordability crisis.”
I was able to survive without government programs...
“Short-term rentals are the ONLY income for me. I am no longer able to work, and I didn't qualify for the Social Security Disability program...So far, I have been able to survive without depending on any government programs. Without it, I will lose my home and the potential to make a living.”
Restoration of homeowner autonomy is paramount.
Hear local stories and discover why:
Sandra and Joseph
Bronx, NY
Former Short Term Rental Hosts
Virginia
Brooklyn, NY
Former Short Term Rental Host
Stanley
Harlem, NY
Short Term Rental Resident
Mark
Brooklyn, NY
Former Short Term Rental Host