Vacation rental home websites are not new, but in the past few years the confluence of a down economy and the launch of rentals-by-owner website Airbnb has created an increased demand for rental properties in popular vacation destinations like Florida.
Airbnb allows owners to market their properties directly to consumers seeking short or long-term rentals. Many owners are attracted by the ease of this online marketplace and its potential for rental income to offset mortgage costs.
Most Airbnb hosts may never encounter a problem, but there are some horror stories of owners who were unaware of the short-term rental laws in their states or local zoning ordinances that led to real problems.
For example, one California woman rented her condo for a month. After the month was up, the man refused to leave, saying that he had tenant rights. The owner discovered that in California, a rental of 30 days or more gives a tenant rights based on a month-to-month lease, and she had to instigate an eviction process to get the tenant to leave.
After renting out their home on Airbnb, one Massachusetts couple discovered that local zoning laws did not allow for the operation of a transient lodge. Neighbors protested, the police were called and the couple was fined $1,500 by the city.
Airbnb also allows people who rent apartments or homes to rent their space out to others. However, many lease agreements do not allow for subleasing, and renters that run afoul of these provisions could unintentionally violate the terms of their lease agreements and face eviction.
Owners who rent their properties on Airbnb should also not assume that their homeowners’ policy covers damage or liability issues when it comes to renters. You may need to purchase additional renters insurance to ensure you are covered in the event of property damage or an accident.
If you are planning to rent your property on a website like Airbnb, be sure you check with a Florida real estate attorney to ensure you comply with state and local regulations for short-term rentals.
Florida landlords can avoid unnecessary risk by setting and maintaining rules that comply with state and federal law. To avoid potential litigation, contact one of the experienced Florida real estate attorneys at Jurado & Farshchian, P.L., at (305) 921-0440, or email us atinfo@jflawfirm.com.
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