Airbnb & VRBO Performance in Queens New York.

Short-Term Rental Regulations in Queens, New York for 2024

Registration Requirements

• All short-term rental hosts must register their properties with the Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement (OSE) as per Local Law 18, effective since September 5, 2023.

Eligibility Criteria

• Only owner-occupied properties can be used as short-term rentals, meaning the dwelling unit must be the host's primary residence.

Occupancy Limits

• Rentals are limited to a maximum of two paying guests at a time.

Prohibited Properties

• Short-term rentals are prohibited in "Class A" multiple dwellings, which includes most residential apartment buildings, unless the host is present during the stay.
• Rent-regulated units and certain buildings are also prohibited from short-term rentals.

Safety and Zoning Regulations

• Properties must comply with safety and zoning regulations, including building codes and fire safety guidelines.

Duration Limits

• Renting out entire homes or apartments for less than 30 consecutive days is prohibited unless the primary resident is present.

Data Sharing Requirements

• Home-sharing platforms like Airbnb must share data about listings and hosts with the City of New York, including host and listing information, and booking details.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Failure to register can result in fines ranging from $1,000 to $7,500 per violation.

Prohibited Buildings List

• OSE maintains a Prohibited Buildings list, which includes buildings where short-term rentals are prohibited by law or by the building's leases and occupancy agreements.

Class B Exemptions

• Properties in "Class B" multiple dwellings, approved for legal short-term occupancies, are exempt from the registration requirement, as are rentals for 30 consecutive days or more.

Additional Requirements

• Hosts must ensure their listing address on Airbnb matches exactly with the address on New York City’s list. If not, they must contact customer service to update the listing address.
• Properties must have a valid certificate of occupancy for permanent residential purposes and comply with all HOA rules and other pertinent laws.

Top Neighborhoods for Airbnb Revenue in Queens, New York

1. Astoria

• Appeal: Astoria is highly rated for its central location, modern amenities, and vibrant neighborhood. Guests love the cozy studios and apartments, many of which are just blocks away from subway lines (M, R) and offer heated floors and other luxurious touches.
• Popularity: With a high volume of top-rated rentals, Astoria attracts guests due to its proximity to Manhattan and the diverse local avenues filled with restaurants and shops.

2. Forest Hills

• Appeal: Forest Hills is known for its upscale neighborhoods like Cord Meyer, offering newly built, stylishly furnished apartments. These rentals are close to subway and rail lines (E, F, R, M, Long Island Rail Road), Flushing Meadow Park, and major NYC airports (LGA, JFK).
• Popularity: Guests appreciate the tranquil and modern living spaces, convenient transportation options, and easy access to key NYC attractions.

3. South Corona

• Appeal: This area is popular for its sun-bathed apartments with large backyards, close proximity to Queens Place Mall, and easy access to the Mets Baseball Stadium and US Open Tennis Center. Guests can also take a short train ride to Times Square or Central Park.
• Popularity: The combination of local amenities, spacious living areas, and convenient transportation links makes South Corona a favorite among guests.

4. Richmond Hill

• Appeal: Richmond Hill offers cozy guest suites that are centrally located between JFK and LGA airports. Guests enjoy the proximity to the 111th Street "J" Subway stop, diverse ethnic food options, and nearby Forest Park for outdoor recreation.
• Popularity: The neighborhood's mix of local culture, convenient public transportation, and comfortable living spaces attracts a wide range of travelers.

5. Cambria Heights

• Appeal: Cambria Heights is appealing due to its beautiful neighborhood at the Nassau County border, offering easy access to the LIRR and JFK airport. The area is also close to the UBS Arena and provides a quiet, comfortable stay with strict no-smoking policies.
• Popularity: Guests value the modern and cozy townhouses, the short drive to key attractions, and the peaceful environment.

These neighborhoods stand out for their excellent locations, modern amenities, and ease of access to major NYC attractions, making them highly appealing to Airbnb guests.

Tips for Furnishing and Designing an Inviting Airbnb in Queens, New York

Bedroom Furnishings

• Bed and Headboard: Use an upholstered bed to create a warm and cozy feeling. Ensure the mattress is at least 8” thick, preferably a memory foam mattress for durability and comfort.
• Nightstands and Lighting: Provide a nightstand or small table on both sides of the bed. Include reading lights and phone chargers for convenience. Avoid pushing beds against walls to ensure easy access.
• Bedding: Use a consistent white bedding set to maintain a clean and comfortable look. Add a simple throw pillow to glam up the bed.
• Blackout Curtains and Sheers: Install blackout curtains in bedrooms to prevent early morning sunlight. Use sheers in other rooms to allow natural light while maintaining privacy.

Lighting

• Ambient Lighting: Replace harsh overhead lighting with smaller, warmer lights to create a soothing ambiance. Use floor lamps and table lamps as design features.
• Night Lights: Place nightlights throughout the space to ensure guests can navigate safely after dark.

Decor and Aesthetic

• Color Scheme: Stick to a few cohesive hues to create a themed look. Use accent chairs and decorative objects to integrate the color scheme without cluttering the space.
• Rugs: Choose rugs that fit the room size. For bedrooms, a 5×8 foot rug for queen beds and a 6×9 foot rug for king beds. Place the rug in front of the nightstands or extend it 36 inches on either side of the bed.
• Decorative Objects: Select 1-3 decorative objects per room to add a finished look without clutter. Place them on dressers, nightstands, or end tables.

Storage and Organization

• Dressers and Closets: Ensure each bedroom has a dresser or chest of drawers. If space is limited, consider placing a dresser inside the closet. Provide at least 5-10 quality hangers per bedroom.
• Multi-Purpose Furniture: Use adjustable and multi-purpose furniture to maximize floor space. Choose surfaces with wheels for easy rearrangement.

Additional Amenities

• Accent Chairs: Provide an accent chair if space permits, especially in studio or single-room rentals, to offer additional seating.
• Arts and Rugs: Add arts and a thick area rug to enhance the room's luxury feel and keep the floor warm and soft.
• Essential Items: Ensure each room has essential items such as an iron and ironing board, trash can, and adequate lighting.

General Tips

• Avoid Clutter: Balance providing necessary furniture with avoiding clutter. Opt for a clean, minimalist appeal to make the space feel more spacious.
• Guest Experience: Tailor the furnishing and decor to the type of guests you expect (e.g., families, couples, friends). Focus on creating a hotel-like convenience with a home-away-from-home feel.
• Vertical Space: Utilize vertical wall space for efficient storage using leaning, floating, or doorframe-mounted shelves to reduce visible clutter.

Discovering Queens, New York: Local Attractions and Insider Tips

Local Attractions

Parks and Green Spaces

• Flushing Meadows Corona Park: The largest park in Queens, featuring the Unisphere, Queens Museum, Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, and the New York Hall of Science. Ideal for biking, walking, or picnicking.
• Gantry Plaza State Park: A 12-acre park along the East River with stunning Manhattan skyline views, the iconic Pepsi Cola sign, and restored gantries. Perfect for photography and relaxation.
• Forest Park: A 538-acre park with natural hiking and horse-riding paths, a carousel, and various family-friendly attractions.

Cultural and Historical Sites

• Queens Museum: Located within Flushing Meadows Corona Park, home to the Panorama of New York City and various art and cultural exhibits.
• Flushing Quaker Meeting House: New York City's oldest structure in continuous use for religious purposes, built in 1694.
• Kingsland Homestead: A historical society and museum showcasing the history of Queens, housed in a 1785 estate.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Fantasy Forest Amusement Park: Located in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, offering thrilling rides, classic games, and free shows.
• Queens Zoo: An 11-acre zoo featuring over 75 species of animals indigenous to the Americas.
• New York Hall of Science: Interactive science exhibits and activities for all ages.

Beaches and Waterfront

• Rockaway Beach: A popular beach destination with swimming, surfing, and a lively boardwalk scene.

Neighborhoods and Markets

• Hunters Point: A vibrant neighborhood with industrial and residential buildings, known for art, culture, and dining. Visit the Hunters Point Library and enjoy the views from Gantry Plaza.
• Jackson Heights: Known for its diverse culinary experiences and vibrant cultural events.
• Queens Night Market: A bustling market offering food, drinks, and shopping from over 120 countries.

Insider Tips

Best Views of Manhattan

• For a unique perspective on the Manhattan skyline, visit Gantry Plaza State Park or the river bank on Roosevelt Island by the tram station. These spots offer a river-level view that makes the skyline seem taller and more imposing.

Local Tours

• Consider a free, personalized walking tour with Big Apple Greeter, a volunteer organization that provides tours led by passionate New Yorkers. This is a great way to learn about the borough's history and communities.

Dining and Nightlife

• Explore the diverse culinary scene in neighborhoods like Jackson Heights and Astoria. Don’t miss the Queens Night Market for a taste of international cuisine.
• Visit the LIC Beer Project in Long Island City for a local craft beer experience.

Seasonal Activities

• During the summer, head to Rockaway Beach for swimming, surfing, and a lively boardwalk scene.
• Attend the annual Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival for a unique cultural experience.

By sharing these attractions and insider tips, you can help your Airbnb guests make the most of their visit to Queens, New York.

Practical Tips to Run a Successful Short-Term Rental Business in Queens, New York

To ensure a smooth and profitable short-term rental business in Queens, New York, several practical tips can make a significant difference in the guest experience and your operational efficiency.

Noise Regulations and Quiet Hours

Inform your guests about quiet hours and noise regulations to maintain a peaceful environment for both your guests and neighbors. Include clear guidelines in your house manual and communicate them through pre-arrival messages to avoid any misunderstandings.

Creating a Comprehensive House Manual

Develop both digital and physical house manuals that include essential instructions, such as Wi-Fi passwords, appliance usage, and emergency contact information. This manual should also outline the rules and regulations specific to your property, including noise restrictions.

Simplified Check-in Process

Utilize smart locks to streamline the check-in process, eliminating the need for physical key exchanges. Provide guests with detailed instructions on how to access the property, along with photos of the lock and any other relevant entry points.

Parking Instructions

If your property offers parking, include detailed instructions with photos in your house manual. This will help guests locate the parking area easily and avoid any confusion or potential issues with neighboring properties.

By implementing these tips, you can enhance guest satisfaction, reduce the likelihood of complaints, and ensure compliance with local regulations, ultimately contributing to the success of your short-term rental business in Queens, New York.

Here is a brief list of house cleaning providers in Queens, New York:

House Cleaning Services in Queens, NY

Planet Maids

• Operates in Queens, NY, and other areas
• Offers various cleaning services, including standard, deep, and move-in/move-out cleaning
• Uses eco-friendly cleaning supplies and brings all necessary equipment
• Cleaners are background checked and insured.

Merry Maids of Queens

• Provides comprehensive cleaning services with 40 years of experience
• Covers entire home, from bathrooms to bedrooms and basements
• Offers spotless results and flexible scheduling.

Molly Maid of Central Queens

• Offers customized cleaning plans with no contracts
• Services include floor cleaning, dusting, and washing/sanitizing
• Provides one-time or recurring cleaning services and a 24-hour warranty.

Maria HouseKeeping NYC

• Family-operated business with 10 years of experience
• Offers eco-friendly residential janitorial services
• Provides flexible schedules, reasonable rates, and a 24-hour guarantee
• Services include cleaning appliances, windows, bathrooms, kitchens, and more.

Short-Term Rental Management Fees in Queens, New York: A Breakdown of Costs and Services

In Queens, New York, the fees for short-term rental management can vary significantly, typically ranging from 10% to 30% of the rental revenue, depending on the level of service provided. Full-service management, which includes comprehensive services such as guest communication, marketing, and maintenance, tends to be on the higher end of this spectrum, often starting at around 20% of the booking revenue.

Basic service packages, which may include only essential management tasks, can be less expensive, sometimes starting as low as 10% per booking. Additionally, property owners may incur extra fees for services like cleaning, repairs, and design, which can further impact the overall cost. Understanding these fee structures is crucial for hosts to ensure compliance with local regulations and to maximize their rental income while maintaining the quality of their properties.