The latter (just kidding, not really available!) happened to me a lot in NYC, and a few times in Australia. There is a weird sweet spot for AirBnB rental timin

The latter (just kidding, not really available!) happened to me a lot in NYC, and a few times in Australia. There is a weird sweet spot for AirBnB rental timing. If it's too far in advance the person doesn't know if they are going to be around to give you keys, or gone so that you can stay there. If it's too soon they won't have time to straighten up. I'm guessing the best luck happens around 4 days in advance, with a spot that looks like a reposted vrbo listing. (I.e. a semi-pro) Also I think sometime in may short term AirBnB listings are effectively banned in NYC.