Airbnb has had pushback from landlords and building owners across the nation whose tenants want to rent out their spare bedrooms via the platform. Consequently, Airbnb has become a less viable option for many gig economy workers, even though reports indicate it is one of the most lucrative platforms available.
Why don’t landlords like Airbnb?
Home-sharing comes with a whole host of potential liabilities and legal issues for renters. First off, many lease agreements prevent people from subletting their apartment (or any portion thereof). Unfortunately, this usually includes Airbnb unless you’ve made specific arrangements to the contrary. In addition, most apartment complexes stipulate the number of days guests may stay—another issue hosts can easily run into if they’re not careful about leasing their apartments.
On top of lease agreements, local land use and zoning laws may further restrict home-sharing rentals, which may fall under “short term housing” (contact your local government about this one). Even if local laws allow for short term rentals, there are often special fees and taxes associated with them.
How do hosts cooperate with landlords?
A simple way to rectify the situation is to simply talk with your landlord about becoming a host for Airbnb. This probably means you’re going to have to be flexible about how often you rent out your location. You may also have to make the arrangement worth it for your landlord by offering a percentage of your earnings.
The Airbnb Friendly Buildings program can streamline this process. Both landlord and renter agree to a lease addendum that allows transparency and commission for parties involved. Currently, there are 11,000 units in this program. Renters usually part with around 15 percent of their income as part of this program.
This may seem like a lot of work—and it is—but it’s better than putting up your apartment on the platform and receiving an eviction notice, as some have reported.
Of course, you should always screen your guests before you accept them. It may even be a good idea to discuss screening protocols with your landlord in order to give them peace of mind as well.
Airbnb poses unique solution
If you’re looking to be an Airbnb host in Florida, there may soon be another option available to you. Airbnb is aiming to open an apartment complex called Niido. This 324-unit complex in Kissimmee, Florida will carry Airbnb branding. Airbnb will encourage tenants to sublet rooms through the platform, and will offer a number of perks to aid them in doing so.
First of all, they will be able to enlist a MasterHost (presumably an employee of Niido/Airbnb) to help with letting people in, cleaning services, and other potential guest needs. The complex will also feature on-demand concierge service and luggage storage. The complex will also have hotel type amenities available for guests.
The company hasn’t released a lot of detail about how this agreement works or how they’re benefitting from it. However, the complex indicates further innovation on Airbnb’s part, and hopefully aids in helping renters be able to participate in this platform.
