OK, hasn't this pile-on gone long enough? You told him they were likely illegal, he rejected your advice. It doesn't seem English is his first language, so all the sniping really isn't paying off. So why continue to harp on it?

Your right MikeT, I'm out of this discussion. The OP blatantly doesn't care if he rents something illegal or not. He doesn't seem to mind that he is probably breaking the law.

If you google "[email protected]"

the only thing that comes up is this email. I find that a bit strange since this is an email a contact for a "reputable" company.

"the only thing that comes up is this email."

Sorry, meant to say the only that comes up is this THREAD

if you drop the 57 from the email address and google you also get a "Heartland Cremation society" in Kansas or something like that. Maybe that's an omen?

I don;t think people are "piling on" - I think we're trying to help the OP figure out what the situation actually is. Not legality versus no - but scam or not.

However, they seem determined not to accept any help or suggestions.

Thanks for the continued concern about the existence of this apartment. I now have a telephone number and have had conversations with a real live person. This is for real and I am looking forward to a lovely apartment.

If it does exist and is not a scam then the chances are 99% that it is illegal. If you have no regards for the laws in NYC then enjoy it! I hope that I ever visit your city that I have more respect for the laws that you may have.

I don't know why anyone should be incensed that berniekern is renting an illegal apartment. He's been warned and has rejected that warning, and that's sufficient, I think.

Basically, it's not a problem unless there's a problem (someone in the building complains, something goes wrong with the rental). Then he has absolutely no recourse. It's not a risk I'd take, but if he wants to take it, I don't have a moral objection. Mine is strictly a consumer-rights issue, of which he has absolutely none.

speaking of illegal, I wonder how many here have ever bought a fake watch, purse, or other product in NYC? Thousands of people do every day.

NP - it's 1) irrespondible to to buy a fake watch or purse, 2) reprehensible to rent an apartment illegally, but 3) okay to flout the alcoholic beverage control laws. Go figure :-)

It would be interesting to know the exact address of the building - and the web site of the renter - so others could consider taking advantage of the same great deal.

In case the OP is still reading -- talking to a real live person doesn't necessarily mean the apartment actually exists.

I <i>think</i> I've located the elusive listing

http://www.facebook.com/pages/New-Yo...29291?filter=2

Don't know which is the OP's flat but maybe the NYC locals can tell if they look legit

That Facebook page gave this as the actual website:

http://vacationrentalsmanhattan.com/

Well there is only 1 3-bedroom listed - on E 57th St - when the OP said E 50th - so perhaps this isn't the same company. There is a phone (cell) listed but no one answers. (I left a message well over an hour ago and it hasn't been returned - not great if you have a plumbing problem or similar.)

But I guess the OP will just have to tell us the details afterward.

The pile-on continues. Seriously, Doug has it right. He was informed, he made his decision. That NYtraveler and janisj insist on continuing to play detective about it seems odd.

It is west 50th - I wrote East 50 in error. Does exist. Thanks for everyone's concern.

Be sure to make alternative plans. It's illegal.

Based on the address on the web site, I think this is is Worldwide Plaza.