Attorney General Eric Schneiderman says most New York City sublets listed by the global rental website Airbnb appear to violate state law, and is urging a judge to uphold his subpoena for information.
Schneiderman wants the California-based company to turn over information about nearly 16,000 "hosts" renting apartments and rooms.
Airbnb wants the investigative subpoena blocked, arguing state law is unconstitutionally vague and Schneiderman's office is seeking private, confidential information.
In a court affidavit, a state researcher says Airbnb listed 19,522 city rentals Jan. 31, nearly all for less than 30 days and 64 percent for the entire apartment, indicating the host would be absent.
The 2010 state law was meant to crack down on illegal hotels.
Court arguments are scheduled Tuesday in Albany.
