What are the legal issues with listing an apartment on Airbnb?

What are the tenant’s rights and what are the landlord’s rights when it comes to listing an apartment on Airbnb?

Typically, tenants love short term rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO because they offer easy ways to earn more income. Landlords, on the other hand, usually hate it because they don’t know who’s living in their apartments, the apartments might get trashed, and other tenants usually complain about the noise.

What are landlord and tenant’s rights on the issue?

Since it’s still such a new and complex area of law, courts in cities all over the country are addressing the issues. What are some of the legal issues being addressed? Short term rentals through sites like Airbnb may:

• Violate local ordinances
• Violate rental leases by subletting
• Violating homeowners association rules
• Require a business license
• Require tax on transient occupancy rentals
• Present safety concerns if multiple people are sharing one room

To find out more about what your rights are as a tenant or landlord, consult with an experienced real estate attorney. Landlords can also contact their local apartment association for advice.