Are you looking to Airbnb your flat in an apartment block? It can be a lucrative and flexible option for property owners, however there are several important factors to consider to ensure you comply with legal regulations, maintain good relations with neighbours, and run a smooth operation.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on what to know and think about before starting:
1. Legal Considerations
There are a few legal considerations for you to think about before going ahead and turning your apartment into a short-let
Laws, permits & regulations for Airbnb apartments
Some cities have specific rules about short-term rentals, such as permits, registration, or limits on how many days per year you can rent out a property. For example, there is the 90 day rule in London. You can
Additional legislation is due to come into effect in England & Wales. Click here to read our guide on the new legislation coming soon.
Are there any Lease and Ownership Restrictions to Airbnb?
If you’re thinking of renting the apartment as a short-let, review your lease agreement. Some leases explicitly forbid subletting or short-term rentals. If you own the apartment, consult your homeowners’ association (HOA) or the building management, as they may have restrictions.
What insurance do you need to Airbnb an apartment?
Regular home or renter’s insurance may not cover short-term rentals. You’ll likely need a specialised policy that covers guest liability and potential property damage. Airbnb offers a Host Guarantee, but this may not be comprehensive enough.
2. Building and Neighbour Relations
Neighbours can make your life as an Airbnb host hell. There is a lot of negativity in the press about Airbnb’s, so some neighbours will instantly be out for blood if they notice an Airbnb listed in their block.
There are a few things you can do to A) Check if there are any problem neighbours and B) Protect your neighbours from beecoming annoyed.
Check existing listings
It is a good idea to check if there are any apartments in your building already on Airbnb. If there are, you can click on that listing’s reviews, search for the term “Neighbour” and see if there are any complaints.
If there are no complaints and the listing has been running for a while (1 year +), then you should be ok. If there are complaints, read what exactly was the issue with neighbours and carefully consider your next steps.
Ask your neighbours
If you have a good relationship with the neighbours in your apartment block, it is always a good idea to have a chat with them. Explain your plans to turn the flat into a short-term-rental and what you will do to remove the risk of guests becoming a nuisance. Provide them with your contact details (or the management companies) and tell them they can reach out at any point. It is good to get them on board early on.
You can even provide them with a discount if they have friends or family visiting them.
HOA or Building Management Rules
Many apartment blocks have rules about short-term rentals. Some buildings ban them altogether, while others have specific requirements like background checks for guests. Get written permission if needed.
How to handle noise and security concerns?
Ensure your Airbnb guests respect noise ordinances and building security protocols. Excessive noise or disruptive behaviour can lead to complaints from neighbours, damaging your relationship with them and possibly jeopardising your Airbnb activities. You can install smart devices such as CCTV cameras (covering the front door) and privacy safe smart sensors
Parking and Access
Make sure you clarify parking arrangements and access to the building for your guests. Misuse of parking spots can irritate neighbours. Provide clear parking instructions to your guests.
Conclusion
There is a lot to consider when making the decision to Airbnb your property in an apartment building. Make sure you have permission from both the local government and the building. Get your neighbours onboard with your plans. Consider how guests will access the property.
