Can I Rent My Brooklyn Home on Airbnb?

Airbnb has become all the rage with affordable stays, unique locations, and small business support. But did you know that there are several rules to follow when you list your own place for short-term stays? We’ll dive into the details below, so you can offer your home to travelers and tourists without breaking the law.

#1: What Type of Building Do You Live In?

Unless you live in a single-family home, there’s a good chance your building has some restrictions on rentals that last fewer than thirty days.

Condos: If you live in a building with three or more units in New York, it is always illegal to rent your home for less than 30 days unless you’ll be home the entire time.
Co-ops: Co-ops rarely allow short-term rentals.
Rent-stabilized buildings: There is likely a limit to what you can charge per night.

#2: Where is Your Home Located?

Sometimes, even if you live in a single-family home, zoning rules will not allow you to rent it out short-term. You’ll also need to ensure the space is up to par for renting out, you may need to make layout changes to allow for legal bedrooms, update your certificate of occupancy, or even get inspections done to ensure your home is safe for others to live in.

What Happens If You Rent Your Home as an Airbnb Illegally?

The consequences vary from written notices and fines all the way to eviction and legal trouble. It’s definitely not something to mess around with, so if you need any advice, feel free to reach out to our team. And if you’re ready to switch to long-term renting to avoid some of these challenges, or even sell your Brooklyn apartment, we’re happy to serve you throughout the process. Get in touch!