ShareBetter, a New York coalition set up to fight the growing influence of Airbnb and the ‘sharing economy’ in the Big Apple, has launched an online map tool where prospective short term rental guests can check for building code violations in the area or whether a convicted sex offender lives nearby.
The ‘Share Safer’ map tool is the latest shock tactic by the group to combat illegal rentals in New York yet is just as likely to scare people away from staying in a neighborhood rather than only thinking twice about renting an Airbnb apartment.
ShareBetter, which launched last month, is made up of local politicians, community activists, tenant associations and advocates of affordable housing.
Airbnb says the group’s campaign is backed by the traditional hotel industry.
"Airbnb and other illegal hotel web sites keep consumers in the dark about public-safety risks’" said Manhatten councilman Mark Levine, a member of Share Better.
"By shining a light on these hidden dangers, the Share Safer tool puts consumers just a mouse click away from the information they need to keep their families safe," he added.
Airbnb responded, claiming it is nothing more than a scare campaign against Airbnb hosts.
"We’re always eager to have a serious conversation about these issues, but this is just another attempt to attack regular New Yorkers who share the home in which they live," said Airbnb spokesman Nick Papas.
