Can my landlord run an Airbnb in the same building?

It is common for landlords to operate one or more units as short-term rentals in the same building where they house long-term tenants. While this is generally legal, since owners have broad discretion over how they use their property, it raises legitimate concerns for the tenants who live there full-time.

Impact on tenants. The most immediate effects are practical: increased foot traffic in shared spaces, noise from guests unfamiliar with building norms, security concerns from a revolving door of strangers, and additional wear on shared amenities like elevators, laundry rooms, and parking areas. These issues are especially pronounced in smaller buildings where a single short-term rental unit represents a large portion of total occupancy.

What your lease says matters. Review your lease agreement carefully. Some leases include clauses guaranteeing "quiet enjoyment" of your unit, which is grounds for a complaint if short-term rental guests are regularly disturbing you. Others reference the building's intended use as residential, which a landlord's commercial rental operation directly conflicts with. A real estate attorney can help you assess your specific situation.

Local regulations may help. Even if your landlord is within their rights as a property owner, they still must comply with local short-term rental laws. Cities like New York, London, and Barcelona require permits, limit the number of nights per year, mandate safety inspections, or impose rules about owner occupancy. If your landlord is operating without the required permits, reporting the activity to your local housing authority is a legitimate option.

Before raising the issue, understand the full scope of the situation. BnBDetector shows you how many short-term rental listings are active near your address, whether your landlord is running one unit or has converted a large portion of the building. That data strengthens any conversation you have, whether with your landlord directly, a tenants' rights organization, or a local regulator.