Possible to increase deposits for long term stays?

[Michele511]

@Lizzie

Does anyone know if there is a way to get a regular security deposit for stays longer than 30 days?

It seems Airbnb is trying to open up their business model to include more long term stays, which I am open to.  But, where I live, once a tenant has been allowed to book, or stayed in your place, for 31 days or more they have all the rights of a regular tenant.

Since this is the case, I would want what I expect of any tenant, a proper security deposit of a couple months rent. If the guest decided to say longer and not pay “rent” you would need time to evict due to lack of rent.

Also, proper security deposit is be required at any furnished, month to month rental anywhere else, such as the Oakwood Apartments or other corporate housing.

Thank you in advance for your answers.

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Michele511 

Airbnb has always recommended hosts to ask guests to sign a separate rental agreement if a host decides to host monthly stays. Also the host is fully and completely responsible for knowing the local laws regarding tenancy rights in their own country/city. 

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/805/what-are-some-things-i-should-consider-before-hosting-longte...

[Michele511]

@Mark116  If you read my initial post this is the point I was making. 

Thanks. 

[Sarah977 · Accepted solution]

@Michele511  I'm sure a lot of hosts will go to long term, in one way or another. But I personally know some who won't- people who signed up with Airbnb to STR because they had had horrible experiences with long term. In spite of leases, checking references, etc, in so many places it's just about impossible to get a bad renter out without it taking months, even if they don't pay the rent. And also many hosts like me, who home-share a guest room. I signed up with Airbnb because my guest room sat empty most of the year unless friends or family came to visit. I'm not the least bit interested in having a full-time roommate.

[Michele511]

I prefer it too. But I need the income. Trying to figure out a way. Ideally it all come back some time soon. 

[Debra300]

For those hosts who are willing to have longer term stays through Airbnb, I recommend that they inform the guest to make multiple 28 to 30 day reservations.  Adjust your price to cover the required one day vacancy between reservations, because the guest likely will not vacate the space for that time period.  @Anonymous has a wonderful suggestion of testing out a potential longer term renter with an initial 30 reservation through Airbnb.  I would still suggest monthly leases instead of entering a month-to-month rental agreement.  With a lease there is a predefined termination of the rental period vs. a MTM which is open ended.  At the end of a lease period, you can just decide not to renew if you feel the arrangement isn't working for you.  This way you can avoid the 30 or 60 day notice to vacate requirement.

If a host decides to become a landlord, they should consult with their local rent board to ensure they are following the applicable ordinances.  I am from Oakland, where there is no rent control, but there is a rent ordinance which sets the maximum amount of an annual rent increase.  However, Berkeley and San Francisco have these ordinances, and also have rent control.  Their rental boards set the maximum amount allowable rent based upon dwelling type, when it was rented, and any renovations made.  

[JonathanandCindy0]

I’m feeling your frustration and no one here seems to understand your question. I, too, would like to collect a security deposit from guests for month+ long stays. And since Airbnb encourages using a contract for stay longer than one month, then as host why would we not be able to also collect a security deposit, whether through Airbnb or directly from the guest?