Warning of Airbnb sub-letting

Eviction service, Landlord Action say they have received treble the number of cases of tenants sub-letting without the landlords knowledge.

Landlord Action point to sites such as Airbnb, which have opened the opportunities for tenants to sub-let.

Landlord Action's Paul Shamplina says:

“We have had concerns for some time now regarding the protection of properties which are being uploaded and offered as holiday lets via Airbnb. We continue to receive a growing number of instructions from landlords who want us to start possession proceedings against tenants who have sub-let their property via Airbnb without consent” 

Landlords need to be aware, the sub-letting of a rental property could be in breach of the tenancy agreement, create additional wear and tear, and breach both the landlords insurance terms and BTL mortgage terms. 

Paul Shamplina adds -

"Whilst Airbnb do provide a level of protection for hosts, naturally certain conditions and limitations do apply. My concern is that there is not enough safeguarding with regards to obtaining proof from the individual who is advertising the property that they are the legitimate owner. Or, if they are a tenant, that they have consent from their landlord to rent out the property in this way

In a recent case, it was thought that more than 300 people stayed in a landlord’s property in one year, unbeknown to the landlord. As well as damage to properties, landlords have received complaints from block managers with regards to being in breach of their head lease and unhappy neighbours in relation to anti-social behaviour, and that’s before considering issues regarding HMO licensing and possible invalidation of insurance and mortgage terms”

PH - If you haven't already, it might be worth searching on Airbnb to see if any of your rental properties are available to let. Better to be safe...

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