Legal question on hosting in block

[Emma2910]

Hi All,

PLEASE HELP.

I have recently set up an AirBnB apartment in a block and have accepted guests.

I have received an email from management company stating this is against the rules of the apartment block as AirBnB does include insurance on our apartment but invalidates the insurance on the rest of the block.

Is this correct and can it be enforced.

please below part of email received from management company:

“Further to our discussion I note that our policy shall not provide cover should any of the flats at this property be rented via short term letting sites such as AirBnB or similar”.

regards

Emma

[Kate867]

@Emma2910   I suggest you read through your ‘lease’ agreement carefully and then perhaps consult a solicitor for some proper advice rather than rely on anyone else for a definitive answer.

[Joanne38]

@Joanne38   In Western Australia, your local shire/council would be able to tell you if Air BnB is permitted in the area.  I'm unsure if this is the same in the UK but it may be worth a phone call.

If short stay is not permitted in your complex - you could consider doing longer stays (10 weeks/6 months) which I have personally found to be very cost and time effective.  I have changed to this and host mainly health professionals.  I provide all utilities and a weekly cleaner. 

The longer stays would not be on the radar for your strata.   

[Gordon0]

Nothing to do with council rules. This is a lease issue, @Joanne38.

[Gordon0]

The management company police your block. It’s their job to make sure swift action is taken against lessees who are misbehaving. If it’s prohibited as per your lease (sounds like it is, and becoming more the norm in new blocks) you are on thin ice and are in breach of contract. The penalties can be quite nasty.

Unless you think they’ve got it very wrong, you should consider cancelling your future reservations.

Leases are complex, but this is not an excuse to circumvent the rules, intentionally or otherwise, @Emma2910.