Airbnb and Rentals

Airbnb makes it look so simple: snap a few photos of your place, list it online, and watch the booking requests roll in. For apartment tenants, it might seem like an easy way to cover rent or make extra income. But here’s the reality: if you don’t own your apartment, renting it out on Airbnb is almost always a violation of your lease—and in some cases, it’s flat-out illegal.

Renting vs. Owning: The Big Difference

• Owners: If you own your condo or house, you generally have the right to decide whether or not to list it on Airbnb (subject to local laws, condo bylaws, and zoning rules).

• Renters: If you are a tenant, you’re living in someone else’s property under a lease agreement. That lease nearly always states that subletting, short-term renting, or sharing the space without written consent is not allowed.

Simply put: if you’re renting, you can’t rent it out again.

Why Tenants Can’t List on Airbnb

There are several reasons landlords and property managers take this seriously:

1. Lease Agreements

   • Most leases contain a clause prohibiting subletting or short-term rentals without landlord approval. Violating this clause can result in eviction.

2. Insurance Issues

   • Tenant insurance does not cover Airbnb guests. If a guest damages the apartment or injures themselves, you could be personally liable.

3. Local Laws and City Regulations

   • Many cities have laws requiring Airbnb hosts to register and prove ownership or primary residency. Tenants typically cannot qualify under these rules.

4. Building Security and Liability

   • Buildings are designed with residents in mind—not a constant flow of strangers. Unauthorized guests put everyone at risk, and managers have the legal backing to stop it.

5. Landlord Rights

   • Landlords are within their legal rights to enforce lease terms. If they find out a tenant is running an Airbnb, they can issue warnings, fines (in some cases), or terminate the lease.

What Happens If You Try Anyway?

• Eviction: The most common outcome.

• Financial Liability: You may be held responsible for damages caused by your guests.

• Legal Trouble: In some jurisdictions, illegal short-term rentals come with fines for the tenant (not just the landlord).

So while the idea of making “a little side money” sounds appealing, the risk far outweighs the reward.

Don’t Like Your Current Rental?

Sometimes tenants think about Airbnb because they feel stuck in a lease they no longer want. If that’s the case, there are safer and legal options. Check out my blog on breaking a lease for tips on what to do if you don’t want to live in your current rental anymore but still have time left on your contract.

Final Word

Airbnb might work for homeowners, but for tenants, it’s a legal headache waiting to happen. If you’re renting, the best rule is simple:

do not sublet, do not list, and do not risk your lease.

Because while a weekend booking might earn you a few dollars, losing your home will cost you much, much more.