The Upper East Side, an upscale neighborhood in Manhattan, is facing a challenging issue. Vans posing as short-term rentals have become a popular trend despite lacking proper restroom facilities. Recent reports from the Daily News highlight two vans, a blue Suburban and a white Express, which have been repeatedly spotted in the area with duplicate license plates. Online listings for these questionable mobile accommodations claim to feature one bedroom, one bathroom, running water, and the capacity to sleep two adults. However, when a Daily News reporter rented one for $147, they discovered an unlocked and poorly ventilated van with only a mattress inside.
Since the publication of the Daily News article, Airbnb listings for these mobile hotels appear to have been removed from the platform. An Airbnb spokesperson stated that these listings were taken down following an investigation and mentioned their information-sharing agreement with New York City for short-term rental regulations. It is worth noting that Airbnb’s official policies explicitly prohibit listings offered on public lands, including the streets of Manhattan. Nonetheless, similar listings for vans with beds and identical sheets can still be found elsewhere.
According to locals, these vans are constantly shifting between public parking spots, causing distress among neighbors. Guests have resorted to finding alternative options for their restroom needs, resorting to the street or nearby buildings. Although one listing on a trip-planning site clarifies that the van does not have a full bathroom, guests are welcome to use a shower in a nearby home.
Residents have expressed their concerns about the vans’ presence, with one individual mentioning the strong odor of urine and feces. The vans are rented out by Magdalena Kulisz, the co-founder of a networking group called Miss Immigrant USA. Kulisz has been photographed with prominent figures like Mayor Adams and Governor Hochul. She claims that all the vans are legally registered and can be rented through various platforms, not just Airbnb. She also argues that since the vans are not apartments, there is no need to register them with the city.
In a statement to The Post, Kulisz emphasizes her focus on providing affordable housing for immigrants and refutes the assumptions made by the superintendent and neighbors regarding the smells. She explains that her mission has always been to support immigrants who may be in need of accommodation, charging minimal fees or offering free stays.
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