From The New York Times:
“Airbnb, the pioneering home rental service, presents itself as useful and virtuous, but the reality is far less benign, according to a report that Eric T. Schneiderman, the New York attorney general, released on Thursday.
“The report will say nearly three-quarters of all Airbnb rentals in the city are illegal, violating zoning or other laws. … At least a handful of landlords are running what amount to illegal hostels.”
What’s interesting about this is that the one Airbnb rental in College Hill also appears to be violating zoning laws. The owners of 407 South Mendenhall are listing the house on Airbnb’s website as accommodating up to six visitors. The Greensboro Zoning Department says a Special Use Permit is required for the property to be used as a bed and breakfast, but no such permit has been issued for that property.
In addition, the house cannot legally be occupied by more than four unrelated individuals.
The Zoning Department has visited the house but apparently hasn’t taken any action yet. It will be interesting to see what they do.
