Concerned about licensing and fines.

[Maria3707]

Hi all.  I am super new to all of this.  My new landlord who lives out of state has given me permission to run an airbnb out of her home.  I now found out that in the city of Sandy in Utah only the owner who must reside in the house full time can be the applicant??  She doesn't care to be the applicant and doesn't live here.  What kind of trouble am I looking at if I run this without a license?  This is absurd.  If the owner has given me permission what is it to the city?  Her neighbors are even fine with it!!  Any feedback would be appreciated as if I really can't move forward with this I will be forced to move out with my daughter and dog as I won't be able to afford the rent on my own.

[Sarah977]

@Maria3707  I'm sorry about your situation, but it seems you should have researched local laws before simply assuming you could do this. Many laws, restrictions, etc, pertaining to anything, may seem absurd to us, but we still have to follow them. It feels ridiculous to have to sit at a red light for several minutes when there is no traffic coming as far as the eye can see, but you can still be ticketed for running the red light. And yes, some hosts, in many places, who have violated local laws regarding Airbnbing have received cease and desist orders, as well as fines. Which would be a very bad scenario for you.

How about looking for a full time roommate? Doing Airbnb may seem like some easy way to make $, but it's actually hard work and you can get some guests who cause a lot of problems. I'd also be wary of having virtual strangers in the home with a young daughter.