@Stephen1477
There is no deposit on Airbnb, unlike most regular rentals and less checks/no references required (although you do get reviewed and rated as guest, so I guess that's supposed to replace the official references) and, although technically there is a contract, it is far more flexible than signing a long term lease. And, as @Gillian166 pointed out, you might get a lot more thrown in, but that will vary. But, my guests do not pay extra for bills, Council taxes, cleaning etc. and don't need to buy their bedding, towels, toilet paper, cleaning products and many other things. So, when you do price comparisons, you have to compare like for like.
It really depends on the host, to be honest, as different hosts will have different rules. I focus on long term stays, but I rent three rooms in my own home where I live and all communal spaces are, well...communal. So that kind of dictates how I go about things to a certain extent.
So, for example, I do not allow guests to move the furniture (this is when damage often happens) and they need to ask permission to have guests over. If guests stay the night, there is an additional fee. But that's just how I do it. I have my reasons.
I think that you can have a very successful stay as a long term guest on Airbnb, otherwise I wouldn't be hosting so many happy, long term guests. You just have to do your research and make sure you pick somewhere that is right for you.
Read the whole listing top to bottom, especially the house rules and the amenities list, other things to note etc. If anything is unclear, ask the host about it. Check out the reviews. Don't make assumptions. Try to have a bit of communication with the host BEFORE you book. Avoiding any misunderstands/misconceptions is the key to a successful long term stay.