Anyone ever use the service Airbnb?

[Earth_First]

Essentially it's a service that matches travelers with rooms for rent by owner. Could be a couch, a guest room or a portion (or entire) home.

I stumbled upon a link via social media to a petiton to NYS Attorney General Schinderman in which a group representing Airbnb in its legal matters in which the AG has issued a subpenoa against Airbnb for three years' worth of their user's data.

From what I gather, the state is attempting to shut down Airbnb utilizing a law which prevents landlords from operating substandard accomodations.

Personally, I find this odd. When these accomodations are offered, they are generally in the homes of individuals who also reside in the accomodations, I hardly believe that most would live in conditions that would be of questionable standard.

I'm not opposed to having some sort of guidelines that would certify Airbnb users to offer their spare room. However it doesn't seem that many municipalities are willing to have this dialogue just yet.

Honestly, I think that if you dig deeper into this situation, there is a lot of monied interests creating the issue.

Ill offer some links and further investigation later this afternoon, I'm on a mobile device currently...

Just interested in what other's thought of the service...

[Brickbat]

1. Yes, for work.

It's been fabulous. I'm wondering if there are lodging tax issues in some locations.

[Earth_First]

2. We used it while traveling in Vermont.

We used it to find accomodations in Waterbury.

I agree, it was fabulous!

[frazzled]

3. Chicago passed a regulatory law last year

And it is needed. This is a business: it needs regulation. There are limits on the number of units in a building that can be rented out on a short-term basis; owners have to get a license, etc.

[myrna minx]

4. My friend used it on a trip to Santa Fe and had a wonderful experience.

He signed up for a private room and shared bath.

He sent us the address and the contact info in case it was a creepy experience, but he emailed right away to let us know that the host was great and there was another lodger. All in all he said it was a nice experience and he would do again. I think it's an interesting alternative.

[Hassin Bin Sober]

5. I have several friends on the landlord side of the equation.

They have all had great experiences with AirBnB.

Two in Chicago, one in New Orleans (I just stayed there) and one near Traverse City - Glen Arbor right on the Lake Michigan beach.

My condo neighbor was renting on AirBnB in violation of our condo rules. We let her slide for a while but finally had to put a stop to it when one of the units in or six flat went under contract. Besides being against our by-laws, having rental units for less than 30 days can seriously jeopardize a buyer being able to secure a conventional mortgage.

[Mz Pip]

6. Once

And when I arrived, I was told my reservation had been cancelled. I hadn't cancelled anything. So I never used them again.

Home Away is supposed to be good. I have a friend who rents out a cottage through that and likes the site.

[a la izquierda]

7. I have in Austin and it was great...

I'm renting an apartment for a few days while I do some research in NYC. I'm sure it will be fine. The person comes highly recommended and is verified. I won't rent a room, only a private apartment. I'm a very private person and don't want someone living all over me.