Displaced by Sandy? Stay in insane luxury loft for free!

Did your apartment get flooded with poop water during the Superstorm? Major bummer. But thanks to the city of NY, technology and the kindness of strangers, you can get a temporary reprieve from the harsh realities of post-Sandy life and stay in a luxury NYC apartment for free! Mayor Bloomberg announced yesterday that the city has partnered with Airbnb to launch a new Sandy Housing hub where you can easily and immediately offer your space or find a place to stay. Almost 500 hosts have already signed up to open their homes for free or minimal fees, including this INSANE loft in Clinton Hill.

Available space ranges from an inflatable mattress, to a comfy looking couch, to a crazy gigantic luxury loft in Hells Kitchen (above) to an entire house. All are warm and dry and available for free or minimal maintenance fees. The process of getting back to “normal” will be long and arduous, so take advantage of this opportunity to live above your normal means while the good karma vibes last.

If your place is temporarily or permanently unliveable, Tuck-It-Away Self-Storage is offering one month of free storage, plus pick up, moving support and boxes, no strings attached (i.e., no contract for longer commitment), for residents and businesses severely affected by Sandy. They have 25 portable units available and are accepting applications on a first-come first-served basis. Applicants must present proof of residence in a flooded or damaged area, and answer a handful of basic questions outlining the specific nature of their needs.

Curbed had a good guide with additional tips for finding short-term housing in the wake of Sandy. Also advice from a real estate attorney re: your rights if your apartment was damaged.