Sublets
Can I rent my apartment on Airbnb while I'm away?
Updated By the Housing Rocket moderators
Short answer
Often not, if you rent. Most leases forbid short-term rentals or subletting without consent, and many cities restrict or ban short stays, especially rentals of under 30 days in a home the host does not live in. A longer, approved sublet to one person is usually the safer way to cover rent while away.
Short-term rentals raise problems a normal sublet does not: new strangers every few days, building security concerns and neighbor complaints. Many landlords write specific bans into leases, and platforms may ask hosts to confirm they are allowed to list.
Before you consider it, check three things:
- Your lease, for any clause on subletting, short-term rentals or commercial use.
- Your city's rules. Many require registration or a permit, limit the number of nights, only allow rentals in your primary residence, or ban short stays in certain buildings.
- Your building or homeowners association rules, which can be stricter than the city's.
The consequences of getting it wrong can include lease termination, city fines and removal of your listing, and you are responsible for any damage guests cause.
If short-term renting is not allowed, a sublet for your full time away, with landlord approval, gives you one known person, one agreement and steady rent. Housing groups are full of interns, travel nurses and students looking for exactly that kind of place.
Want the whole picture? Read How to Find a Sublet or Roommate on Facebook Safely.