Artist in Rent-Protected TriBeCa Lot May Get Evicted for Renting on Airbnb

• June 11, 2014

by Lark Turner

The listing in question, which is no longer on Airbnb.

An artist who reportedly advertised her rent-protected Manhattan apartment on Airbnb for three times her rent may get evicted, according to a lawsuit filed by her landlord.

Eileen Hickey-Hulme, the lawsuit alleges, rented her Tribeca apartment for $250 per night, $1,750 per week or $4,500 per month, according to the New York Daily News. Hickey-Hulme’s monthly rent in the same apartment, which she has rented for 40 years? $1,464.

Meanwhile, the newspaper found an artist profile of Hickey-Hulme on a Hamptons website, where she talks about why she chooses to live and work in the Hamptons:

“Being close to the Marina where my boat resides is very important to me,” Hickey-Hulme replied. “I have my own little studio there where I can do my work. I am also a very active athletic person, so being close to the beach where I can surf, run, bike, and hike outdoors are a must for me.”

News of Hickey-Hulme’s eviction is not exactly great press for Airbnb, which is in the middle of a conflict with the New York Attorney General’s office over whether or not the service is legal in the city. Most recently, Airbnb agreed to give the attorney general’s office data about users who could be in violation of New York City laws.

This article originally published at http://dc.urbanturf.com/articles/blog/an_artist_in_a_rent-protected_tribeca_lot_may_get_evicted_for_renting_on_ai/8600