As a healthcare traveler, you constantly rely on short-term housing, especially when the average assignment is about thirteen weeks long. Because of this, you may find yourself relying on apps like Furnished Finder, VRBO, and Airbnb to find the best options.
In New York City, there have been significant changes to Airbnb's short-term rental limits. But what does this mean for healthcare travelers who use Airbnb to find housing? In this article, we’ll share what’s changing, what it means for healthcare travelers, and what they can do about it.
In early September 2023, New York City implemented regulations that only Airbnb or VRBO hosts who have registered with the city are permitted to offer rentals for periods of less than 30 days. Hosts are required to pledge their physical presence in the home throughout the rental period, sharing their living spaces with their guests and you can’t have more than two guests at a time, which effectively excludes most families.
The goal of the new regulation was to put a stop to the rampant practice where landlords and residents would lease their apartments by the week or night to tourists or other individuals here for short visits.
Many travelers rely on Airbnb for their short-term housing needs for assignments or for time between contracts. However, with the new regulations, housing options in New York may decrease, especially for hosts looking to offer housing for less than 30 days. If hosts do not register on the city's website, they may not be allowed to accept short-term reservations. This could affect those who depend on Airbnb for accommodation during their assignments.
So, if you're a healthcare traveler or someone who uses Airbnb for temporary stays frequently, it's important to stay updated about these changes. You might want to consider other options in case your preferred accommodation is unavailable due to these restrictions.
Still want to take assignments in New York City but are worried about these new regulations? No worries. Here are a few things you can do in the meantime:
Finding a job can be challenging, and so can finding housing in the same area. With Fusion Marketplace, you can do both at the same time, thanks to our Furnished Finder integration. Browse different housing options while you apply for jobs, simplifying the entire process.
Another best practice is to start searching for housing early because securing accommodation ahead of time reduces stress and ensures a comfortable and convenient living space close to your place of work. By starting your housing search early, you can have the pick of the best options available, ensuring that your temporary home meets all your needs.
It’s important to note that these regulations, as of October 2023, only affect New York City. So, for travelers who want to live in New York but are flexible about the city — you still have options! There are states with cities similar to New York City in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Maine and the cities in these states offer similar competitive pay and host many of the world’s best hospitals.
New York City's changes to Airbnb's short-term rentals mean healthcare travelers should look to other housing solutions. The new restrictions on Airbnb could be challenging for those who typically rely on it. But remember, there are other options like Furnished Finder that still offer solid short-term housing services. Exploring these alternatives can help you confidently navigate these rental changes.