Letter to Brian Chesky, CEO of Airbnb - Meng Urges Airbnb to Provide Insight Following Shooting in Bayside, Queens at House Advertised as Airbnb Rental

Letter

Dear Mr. Chesky,

I write to express my deep concern for the public safety of communities in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, New York. Last week, the neighborhood of Bayside experienced a shooting outside a residence on 208th Street near 38th Avenue. One teenager suffered a gunshot wound to the torso and nearby vehicles were damaged by additional gunshots. The residence was advertised as an Airbnb rental, despite being vacant.

An article reported that individuals broke into this residence two years ago and have been listing the property as a rental on Airbnb. Despite your company's efforts to take down the posting, the article also indicates the individuals who broke into the vacant place have continued to repost this residence on Airbnb's website.

As you know, the Federal Trade Commission Act prohibits the dissemination of misleading claims for food, drugs, devices, services, or cosmetics. I am gravely concerned with the public safety issues that have arisen from the faulty posting of this property on Airbnb's website. While the 111th Precinct of the New York Police Department continues its investigation into the shooting, I seek answers to the following questions:

* What is Airbnb doing to rectify the faulty listing of this foreclosed property in Bayside?

* What has prevented Airbnb from permanently banning this foreclosed property from being listed on your website?

* Will Airbnb allow it to be relisted despite it being a vacant property and does Airbnb allow any vacant property to be listed?

* What are Airbnb's requirements for a property to be listed as a rental on its website?

* Will Airbnb update its procedures to ensure vacant properties are not listed on its website?

* Does Airbnb work with state and local authorities to ensure that vacant or foreclosed properties are not listed on your website?

As the Congressmember representing the neighborhood of Bayside, Queens, the safety and wellbeing of my community is of paramount importance. Thank you for your assistance in this process and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

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