Airbnb is a modern phenomenon. Its
cultural impact has been to create an industry out of renting your
own home to strangers on a short-term basis. Many people now view
it as a complete alternative to hotels. But what are the legal
implications?
Over the summer months, increasing
numbers of people will be taking holidays in other people's
homes, through rentals sourced through the hugely successful
Airbnb.
An alternative to hotels, Airbnb
offers homeowners the ability to make money by renting out their
properties whilst they are away. It also provides another platform
from which to market a second home or investment property. Whilst
Airbnb is undoubtedly an ingenious and highly successful model, it
is not without legal implications and potential problems. This is
true for renters, but it is especially so for those wishing to rent
out their properties – or "hosts", as Airbnb calls
them.
