Stuck Between Airbnb and Management: A Tenant's Dilemma

As an Airbnb renter, you've likely encountered your fair share of
challenges. But what happens when you're caught between a management
company that demands 25% of your revenue and a building full of tenants
who are getting away with renting out their units without paying a dime?
One frustrated tenant found themselves in just this situation and reached
out for advice.

The Problem

In Los Angeles, the tenant had secured a friendly landlord on Airbnb, but
soon discovered that the management company had strict rules governing
short-term rentals. With a 90-day per year limit and a hefty revenue share
of 25%, the tenant felt like they were being taken advantage of. To make
matters worse, other tenants in the building were renting out their units
without permission or payment to the management, leaving our renter
feeling like they were the only ones playing by the rules.

The Consequences

When the tenant initially didn't report their Airbnb activity to the
management, everything seemed fine. However, after complaining about
maintenance issues to security personnel, they found themselves reported
and forced into an agreement with the management. Their listing was
removed from Airbnb, and they were unable to re-list until a new agreement
was in place.

The Catch-22

Now, with 90 nights already booked for the year, Airbnb has informed the
tenant that they can't accept any further bookings until 2025. This means
that during November and December, they'll have to pay rent out of pocket
while their neighbors continue to rent out their units without issue.

Exploring Alternative Options

In an effort to find a solution, the tenant has turned to mid-term rentals
(30+ days) through Furnished Finder, but unfortunately, this hasn't
yielded any results after two months of posting. So, what can be done?

Advice for Frustrated Tenants

If you find yourself in a similar situation, here are some potential steps
to consider:

1. Review your agreement: Carefully review your rental agreement and management contract to understand the specific
   terms governing short-term rentals.
2. Seek support from other tenants: If there are multiple tenants in your building who are also renting out their
   units without permission, you may be able to band together and negotiate a better deal with the management.
3. Explore alternative platforms: Consider using different short-term rental platforms or websites that may not
   have the same restrictions as Airbnb.
4. Consider mid-term rentals: As our tenant has done, look into renting out your unit for longer periods (30+ days)
   to avoid some of the restrictions imposed by short-term rental regulations.
5. Seek professional advice: If you're unsure about how to navigate this situation or need help negotiating with
   the management, consider consulting a real estate attorney or property manager.

Conclusion

Dealing with the complex rules and regulations surrounding short-term rentals can be frustrating and challenging. However, by exploring alternative options, seeking support from other tenants, and carefully reviewing your agreements, you may be able to find a solution that works for you.