Your Actual Exposure: $50,000

A $2,500/mo sublease lease doesn't create $2,500/mo in liability. It creates $50,000 in total exposure across rent, personal guaranty, restoration, and every other clause your landlord drafted to protect themselves — not you.

Where $50,000 Comes From

Remaining Rent$15,000
Legal Fees$15,000
Landlord Damages$10,000
Security Deposit Loss$2,500
Eviction Costs$8,000
Total Exposure$50,000

What Most People Miss

The city fines. Beyond the landlord's claims, cities like New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles impose separate fines for illegal short-term rentals — $1,000-$7,500 per day in some jurisdictions.

Key Risks in This Scenario

  • Short-term rental violates most residential leases explicitly
  • NYC and other cities impose additional fines for illegal short-term rentals
  • Airbnb hosting without permission is grounds for immediate eviction in rent-controlled buildings

How to Reduce Your Exposure

  • Check your lease for explicit short-term rental prohibition before listing
  • Check local law — many cities require registration even when the landlord permits it

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my residential lease prohibit Airbnb?
Most modern residential leases explicitly prohibit short-term rentals or subletting for less than 30 days. Check your lease for 'short-term rental,' 'subletting,' or 'occupancy by others' provisions.
Can I be evicted for Airbnb violations?
Yes. In most jurisdictions, unauthorized short-term rental is a material lease violation that permits termination. In rent-stabilized buildings, it's grounds for deregulation — an especially severe consequence.
What happens if an Airbnb guest damages my apartment?
You're responsible to the landlord for all damage. Airbnb's Host Guarantee has limitations and exclusions. Your renter's insurance likely excludes commercial use. You could be personally liable for significant repair costs.
Are there cities where Airbnb is permitted in rentals?
Some cities allow short-term rentals with registration and rules. San Francisco allows primary residence short-term rental with registration. NYC Local Law 18 requires host registration and imposes strict limits. Rules change frequently — verify current local law.
What is the right way to Airbnb my apartment legally?
Get explicit landlord written consent, obtain required city registration, comply with local occupancy limits, and maintain renter's insurance that covers short-term rental use. All four steps are required for a defensible position.