I would suggest NYC work harder on enforcing those rules which apply to landlords which relate specifically to safety -- I've seen some pretty astonishing abuse.

One of the shortfalls from Airbnb, Uber, and other human to human services is that their initial growth & design comes from early adapter use. I can't provide hard facts but the people who use things earlier tend to be a little smarter and a little saner. This observation is based on what happens to online communities as they expand.

Airbnb has built a system, when used the way it was originally intended, with well meaning hosts and gracious renters everything works great. As it transitions to a mass market product dynamics change. You have people gaming the system, hosting sex parties, attacking you with hammers (bad joke), etc. Government & city regulations have a lot to do with managing the "riff raff." Taxes, revenue, rent, these things matter to a lesser degree than personal safety.

Airbnb, Uber, and all of these other sharing services need to think really hard about this. If you are launching your AirBNB/Uber for X service, and your early adapters are already the mass market, acquired through ad campaigns. Watch the hell out.