What points should you consider before signing a lease on that stunning one-bedroom loft listed on Airbnb? We did some digging to find out whether living in an Airbnb is possible—and if it’s a good idea.
For starters, it’s important to know that most Airbnb rentals are intended for short-term stays, not long-term occupancy. In fact, the average length of stay for an Airbnb guest is just three nights, according to data from AirDNA, a site that analyzes Airbnb rental data.
However, there are a handful of listings on Airbnb that are available for long-term stays (defined as 28 days or more). And while you might be able to find a place to live in an Airbnb long-term, it’s important to consider a few things before signing a lease.
First, you’ll need to find an Airbnb listing that is available for long-term stays. This can be tricky, as most Airbnb rentals are intended for short-term stays. You can search for long-term rentals on Airbnb by selecting the “Long Term Stay” filter when searching for places to rent.
Why do some hosts not allow longer stay guests?
Some hosts have started to impose limits on how long guests can stay, often due to bad experiences with long-stay guests.
There are several reasons why long-stay guests can be problematic. For one thing, they tend to be less respectful of the property, leaving it messier than shorter-stay guests. They may also be more likely to have parties or otherwise disturb the neighbours. Additionally, long-stay guests can put a strain on utilities and other resources. And finally, living in an Airbnb can be disruptive to the normal routines of the household, making it difficult for the host to maintain their usual standard of living.
All of these factors can add up to a frustrating experience for both the host and the long-stay guest. As a result, many hosts now prefer to limit stays to a week or less. This helps to ensure that everyone has a positive experience and that the property is well-maintained.
Once you’ve found a long-term rental on Airbnb, there are a few things you should consider before signing a lease.
Here are 7 benefits of living in an airbnb
-You may have more space than you would in a hotel room or traditional apartment.
-An Airbnb rental can be significantly cheaper than a hotel room or standard rental property, especially if you’re staying for an extended period of time.
-You can often find an Airbnb rental in a convenient location, such as downtown or near public transportation.
-Airbnb rentals are usually fully furnished and come with amenities not typically found in traditional apartments, such as a fully equipped kitchen and Wi-Fi.
-Living in an Airbnb allows you to live like a local and experience a new city or town in a unique way.
-You are not responsible for the maintenance of the property
-You can hand the keys back to the owner at very short notice if you are not happy
The top 5 problems with living in an Airbnb instead of a normal rental house
-You may have difficulty finding an Airbnb rental that is available for long-term stays.
-Even if you find a long-term Airbnb rental, it may be more expensive than a traditional rental property as it will be priced for shorter length stays.
-Airbnb rentals are usually furnished, which means you are stuck with the design and feel of the house or apartment
-Most Airbnb rentals utilities in the monthly rent, so if for example you want to add a gas cooker and there is no gas in the property then this is not an option.
-The owner has more rights to evict you at short notice as you are not protected by the landlord and tenant standard protection
What about the 90 day rule?
The 90-day rule applies in a number of countries and states and essentially says that you can live in a property for up to 90 days without being considered a resident. This can be helpful if you want to live in an Airbnb long-term, as it means you will not be breaking any residency laws.
However, it’s important to note that the 90-day rule is not always enforced, and there have been cases of people living in Airbnbs for longer than 90 days without any legal repercussions. Additionally, the 90-day rule may only apply to certain types of properties, such as apartments or vacation rentals. So if you’re considering living in an Airbnb long-term, it’s best to do your research to see if the 90-day rule applies in your case.
Conclusion So, is it possible to live in an Airbnb long-term? Yes, but there are a few things you should consider before clicking to book. Be sure to read the listing carefully, consider the cost of living, and think about whether you’re comfortable living in a shared space. With these things in mind, you can decide if an Airbnb rental is right for you.