Househack/Airbnb a Duplex

[Michael Nguyen]

Hi everybody,

I am a new investor planning to buy my first home (duplex) in Philadelphia to househack it.

It would be my home base, but I plan to travel 6-9 months out of the year, meaning my unit would be collecting dust when I'm gone. While I am away traveling, I was thinking I could use it for Airbnb. I could have my friend manage it, or Airbnb has staff you can hire.

Is this legal? Is this a flat out bad idea?

I would love to hear your thoughts. Thank you in advance for your responses. 

Michael N.

[Joe P.]

Interesting setup -- here's what I would add to the comments above:

• If you've got a support system in place for while you're gone, then great. But keep in mind this is still your property and the buck stops with you. I travel for work occasionally myself; what are you going to do if something goes horribly wrong? Can you count on someone to manage major issues if you are not reachable, or even if the STR needs some assistance/has a question?
• Are you OK with strangers in YOUR part of the house? Renting out your duplex to a long term renter makes sense, but for the unit you plan to live in, are you OK with people on your couch, in your bed, in your bathroom, etc?

I'd never tell someone to not pursue the available rent money - but if you can't actively manage your rental for what may or may not happen, that would be highly concerning. I suppose the same problem exists with your long term renter, but I guess I could see something going wrong moreso with the short term renters just in terms of operations, questions, etc.