Airbnb launch: Is subletting legal? Advantages, risks and how to start

Airbnb Guide – Great! You’re about to enter the exciting Airbnb business and boost your income. You have a unique opportunity to monetize with your property or rental home while providing an unforgettable experience to travelers from all over the world. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to successfully get started as an Airbnb host. Let’s dive in!

This is why you should start with Airbnb – The advantages

Who couldn’t enjoy some extra income? By renting out your property or rental apartment through Airbnb, you can generate a steady flow of cash. Whether you provide a room in your own home or a separate unit, Airbnb allows you to make the most of your property and generate income that can reduce your monthly expenses or even enable financial goals.

Generate an attractive side income with Airbnb and unused living space.

As an Airbnb host, you have full control over your availability. You decide when you want to rent out your property and you can offer it according to your own needs and schedules. Want to rent out your property only on weekends? No problem. Do you want to make it available during your own vacation time? This is also possible.

You stay as flexible as you want with Airbnb.

Are you worried about possible damages or inconveniences that could arise from renting out your property? Airbnb offers comprehensive host insurance that protects you from financial risks. Also, Airbnb’s customer support is available around the clock to help you with any questions or problems.

The advantages of Airbnb for hosts at a glance:

• Additional income
• Flexibility and control
• Intercultural exchange
• Airbnb Support + Insurance
• Worldwide network

Sounds attractive? Then there is only the question regarding the legal and tax aspects.

Is renting through Airbnb legal? What you need to know

You’ve already learned about the many benefits of hosting on Airbnb. But before you jump into this exciting adventure, it’s important to consider the legal and tax aspects. You may be wondering, “Is Airbnb even legal?” Let us give you all the information you need to be a safe and legal Airbnb host.

Are you allowed to rent out your apartment? Authorities and landlord permits

The legal situation regarding Airbnb can vary depending on the country, region and city. It is therefore of utmost importance that you familiarize yourself with the local regulations to avoid potential legal problems. Some points you should consider are:

• Zoning and permit regulations
• Rent laws
• Neighborhood agreements

If you live in a rented apartment, you must also obtain permission to sublet from your landlord. If you do not do this in advance, you may be threatened with termination of your apartment in the worst case.

Do you have to register a business as an Airbnb landlord?

In Germany, renting out Airbnb accommodation is generally considered a commercial activity. According to § 14 Gewerbeordnung (GewO), you must register a commercial activity in Germany with the local trade office. This means that as an Airbnb host, you are required to register a business in most cases.

If you rent permanently through Airbnb, you must register a business with the local trade office.

However, there are some exceptions to the business registration requirement. For example, if you only rent occasionally and temporarily, a business registration may not be required. However, it is important to note that the exact definition of “occasional and temporary” may vary from state to state.

Location, amenities, etc.: Is every apartment suitable for Airbnb?

Do you have a property or permission to sublet your rental property and now want to turn it into Airbnb accommodation? Before you take the plunge, it’s important to check if your property has the right conditions to build a successful Airbnb business.

Most importantly:

the situation.

The location of your property is one of the most important factors for success as an Airbnb host. Consider if your property is located in an attractive and easily accessible area. Are attractions, public transportation, restaurants, or shopping nearby? A central location in cities is especially desirable to guests and potentially attracts more guests.

In addition, the following aspects are still relevant to the question of whether your property or apartment is suitable for the Airbnb business:

• Equipment
• Space available
• Cleanliness
• Availability

The equipment should be both attractive and useful. It should have the necessary amenities to provide your guests with a pleasant stay. These include a well-equipped kitchen, comfortable beds, clean bathrooms, working heating or air conditioning, and a reliable internet connection.

These are the mistakes you should avoid when starting out as a host

Now you’ve learned a lot about getting started on Airbnb – but are there risks associated with renting on Airbnb? Getting started in the Airbnb business offers a variety of opportunities, but it’s also important to understand the risks involved and common mistakes. By being aware of these aspects and being prepared, you can maximize your chances of success.

Here are the most common risks and mistakes when getting started in the Airbnb business:

• As a host you bear a certain liability risk
• Handling and scope of guest communication
• Over- and underestimation of prices
• Lack of flexibility and adaptability

As a host, you bear a certain liability risk. It is important to take out a suitable insurance policy that protects you and your guests from possible damage or accidents. Inform yourself about the insurance conditions and make sure that you are sufficiently covered.

Setting the right prices for your accommodation can also be a challenge. A common mistake is to price either too high or too low. Overpricing can scare off potential guests, while underpricing can hurt your profitability.

Airbnb Guide: How to start your Airbnb business

Convinced by Airbnb? Then the question is how to become a host. Here are the steps you need to take to get started as a successful Airbnb host:

1. Research and planning
2. Registration and profile
3. Design of the advertisement
4. Setting the prices
5. House rules
6. Booking Management

Now you can learn exactly which tasks are hidden behind these steps.

Set goals and plan concept

You have already started this step when you opened this guide. Start by researching the Airbnb platform to see if it’s a good fit for you and your goals. Read reviews from other hosts and guests to get insight into their experiences. Think about the type of accommodation you want to offer (e.g. a whole house, an apartment or a single room) and the target audience you want to attract.

Checklist for research and planning:

1. Understanding the platform – does it fit your ideas?
2. Read reviews from other hosts.
3. Considerations for your accommodation – What? Where? When?

Once you have clarified these points, it’s time to move on to the next step: creating a profile on the platform.

How to create a profile on Airbnb

Registering on the platform is relatively simple. Go to the Airbnb website or download the mobile app and create a host account. Fill out the registration form and provide all the required information, including your contact details. You should create a meaningful profile that represents your home and personality.

How to register with Airbnb:

1. Open the web page.
2. Open the registration form and fill it out.
3. Verify your email address and account.
4. Store profile information.

Create the advertisement of your accommodation

You should take enough time for this step, because this is how you want to earn your money. Take your time to create an appealing and meaningful advertisement. Describe your accommodation in detail, provide high-quality photos and emphasize the unique features and amenities your accommodation offers. Be honest and transparent to meet the expectations of your future guests. The listing is the basis for marketing your accommodation and attracting potential guests.

Let’s summarize the most important things about the advertisement:

• Appealing images
• Attractive price
• Meaningful title
• Detailed description

Let’s now take a closer look at the attractive price.

How to set the right price

Besides pictures, price is one of the most important criteria for most Airbnb users when choosing a vacation rental. Think about how you want to price your accommodation. Consider factors such as location, size of the accommodation, amenities, and demand in your area. Also, use Airbnb’s price suggestion feature to set competitive prices.

You should take this into consideration when setting the price of your accommodation:

1. Competitive prices and regional/seasonal demand
2. Location, facilities and surroundings of the accommodation

Set rules for your guests

As an Airbnb host, you have the ability to set your own rules and expectations for your guests. House rules are important to ensure a pleasant and smooth stay for both you as a host and your guests. In principle, you are free to choose your own rules, but you should keep the following tips in mind:

• Be clear and precise
• Be realistic and fair
• Communicate the rules in advance

Think about what rules are important to you personally and what you expect from your guests. Think about aspects such as smoking, pets, noise levels, use of common areas and compliance with local laws. Also consider the specifics of your accommodation or environment that may require specific rules.

Airbnb Interview: Getting started, costs and advantages – Expert tips

Now that you’ve learned the basic steps to successfully get started as an Airbnb host, you may want to get more insights and expert tips. That’s why we’ve conducted an interview with an experienced Airbnb expert who will share his knowledge and experience with us.

Click here for the interview:

• Airbnb Interview