Hosting Air BnBs In Sri Lanka

[Selvin6]

Hi Everyone,

I’m a big fan of AirBnB, have been using AirBnB since 2020 and have stayed in 30 plus AirBnBs in 15 different countries.

Now, I would like to start hosting in Sri Lanka and need your guidance and inputs since I’m completely new to this business.

I wanted to understand the requirements to start this business, is it possible to sub-lease properties since I don’t plan to buy and start, what kind of licenses are required infact everything about AirBnB in Sri Lanka.

[Elisa]

Hi @Selvin6 😊, 

Welcome to the Community Center!

I'm impressed, you travelled a lot. 😍 How did you come up with the idea of hosting?

I'm mentioning a few hosts to see if they have advice for yo: @Anton7298, @Muslim4, @Cheri354, @Helen3 and @Greystone0.

Thank you in advance, everyone!

I'm also tagging hosts from Sri Lanka if you'd like to connect with hosts from your area: @Sanjeewa15, @Annet1057, @Sulo-and-Briony0, @Jenny1648 and @Sheika2.

Warm regards 🌻

[Selvin6]

What makes me think about hosting - honestly money 🙈 but again I love hospitality and it is indeed a very responsible job, one negative feedback finishes every effort the host would have done.

I was keen on hosting in Bali & Colombo, sub-leasing helps since buying for now is an additional cost although sub-leasing comes with more responsibilities 

[Helen3]

Yes some people sub lease for short term rentals . It may be easier in Sri Lanka but here in the UK most landlords do not allow tenants to sub lease at all but particularly for short term rentals . @Selvin6 

you don't know who is using your property , whether guests might party and upset neighbours and how well the person renting may manage the rental.

start by seeing if there are short term rentals legislation (look on the local government website for the area you are interested in (or whoever regulates STRs in Sri Lanka) 

If you meet the criteria look into business regulations for setting up a business and see if you can find a landlord willing to sublet . Remember you will be liable for all costs whether you are able to rent it out or not. 

[Selvin6]

Thank you Helen ! UK for now isn’t on my list for hosting maybe in future. I was keen on hosting in Bali & Colombo so wanted more information.

[Muslim4]

In our country, for example, you can rent a property long-term explicitly letting your landlord know that you are going to sub-let it, but it should be reflected on the rental contract. Usually hosts ask for higher monthly rates if they allow sub-letting which of course makes sense, but in most cases they also ask for long rental periods, like 12 months and security deposits.

Try asking local hosts in your country if something similar is possible. In anyway, it's always better to do renting in the right way, i.e. letting the landlord know all the details, honesty is the best policy.

Good luck with your business!