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Updated over 2 years ago on . Most recent reply
Do I need a business license for a one-off 2 month stay?
I own and live in a single family home in Spokane. I'll be traveling for 2 months and I posted my place on Airbnb to help with traveling costs while I'm gone. 1 person booked the place for the entire 2 months. There seems to be City guidance on STRs (less than 30 days by their definition) , but not much guidance on "long term rentals" which I guess is what this qualifies as. The information I do find is vague and is asking for an inspection by Spokane Housing Authority and maybe requires a business license? There was also an article saying that most Airbnbs in Spokane don't follow this. My question is, what would you do for this one-off 2 month lease? Doesn't Airbnb cover a lot of these bases for you?
Most Popular Reply
anything over 30 days in most markets is considered a month to month lease, and therefore has to abide by rental laws and all that comes with that territory. I would never allow a 30 day+ rental in my airbnb, because people can take advantage of you and squat, and that forces an eviction process which in a lot of cities can take 6 months+ with no payment to you ever.
What you're doing has nothing to do with airbnb or this forum. You're entering a rental contract with this person.
Personally I wouldn't risk it with my belongings and everything unless its a personal friend, and then i'd do it off the books. You'll probably be fine. But if **** hits the fan and this person decides to squat, you are screwed legally and you just lost your house for 6+ months.