The number of people renting homes in Queens through Airbnb during the holiday season jumped 125 percent since 2015, according to data released by the company.
Between Dec. 22 through Dec. 25, approximately 41,000 people are projected to stay with Airbnb hosts throughout the city. Though Manhattan will host the largest number of guests, the outer boroughs saw the biggest spike in growth rates during this time.
Queens had the highest growth rate this year, with a 125 percent increase in the number of people staying with hosts in December 2017 compared to December 2015. In total, 4,980 guests are expected to stay in the borough during the coming week.
According to Airbnb, these visits will generate $400 for the average host and more than $6.5 million for hosts citywide. The company was founded in 2008 and allows travelers to rent homes and apartments worldwide instead of relying solely on hotels.
New York City officials have argued that the company depletes the affordable housing stock in the area and the hotel industry has lobbied to restrict Airbnb’s presence in the city.
Governor Andrew Cuomo signed a bill last year making it illegal for landlords to advertise short-term leases for their apartments. The bill makes it illegal to advertise units in buildings for under 30 days if the landlord isn’t present for the entire stay.
Mayor Bill de Blasio in April added 16 staffers to the Office of Special Enforcement, which inspects and fines landlords who rent apartments out for fewer than 30 days. In August, a Bushwick landlord was fined $11,000 for renting out nine rooms in his apartment to 34 guests. According to the New York Post, the landlord installed bunk beds and added mattresses on the floors of bedrooms to maximize capacity.
Currently, travelers can find an entire apartment or home from Dec. 22 through Dec. 25 ranging from $77 per night in Jamaica to $213 per night in Woodside.
