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AirBnb; Alyssa Powell/Business Insider
- ManyAirbnbsoffer discounted rates for monthlong and weeklong stays.
- Airbnb also has a separate search portal specifically forsublets.
- We break down key info on booking long-term Airbnbs, including fee and cancellation policies.
While many employers are requiring workers to return to office, it's undeniable that the pandemic has permanently changed the way we work and travel. According toAirbnb, more travelers are now searching the platform for stays longer than 28 days, and as of 2020,over 80 percent of hostsnow offer long-term stay options.
On Airbnb, hosts are free to set stay limits and minimums, as well as discount options for anyone booking their listing for weeks or even months at a time. Not only does the discount incentivize someone looking for a longer stay to choose a particular listing, but it also means that the hosts will have a lower turnover rate, which often translates into less work for them.
While long-term Airbnb listings will show up in a standard search, you can also more easily find them by going directly throughthe website's sublet hub. This will bring up only listings where hosts have agreed to allow stays of a month or longer, but be aware that not every long-term stay is discounted.
Renting an Airbnb for a longer stay has numerous benefits. First, it can be cheaper than a typical lease and is adjustable to your travel plans. For example, if you're arriving somewhere on March 18 and leaving on April 28, you can often still enjoy a discounted stay without needing to pay for any unused days. On top of that, hosts must prove that their listing is really livable for a long-term stay, which means all long-term Airbnb listings come equipped with a full kitchen, strong WiFi, and essentials like bed linens and soap at a minimum. Not to mention, booking a long-term Airbnb is an easy way to earn travel points on your credit card.
Overall, booking your next sublet through Airbnb can be a great deal, but there are a few things you should know ahead of time.
What's the minimum number of days for a long-term Airbnb?
Airbnb's long-term discounts kick in for stays of 28 nights or more. You don't have to start on the first of the month, but your dates must be consecutive — so if a weekend in the middle is already booked, you'll need to adjust. Hosts decide whether to allow extended stays and can set their own minimums, sometimes requiring 30 or 31 days for guests seeking longer visits.
Hosts can also choose to offer weekly or monthly discounts, and the amount varies widely. Airbnb suggests hostsset the discount to match their expected vacancy, so rates can differ from one listing to the next. When you enter your dates, eligible listings will show a strikethrough on the nightly rate, and the exact percentage off will appear in the price breakdown.
How much is the discount for a long-term Airbnb?
Discounts can vary immensely. For example, thistiny home in San Franciscooffers a 13% monthly discount, while in Austin, thisAirstream traileris 50% off, and discounts can go even higher than that. Of course, it's always possible that a host could be inflating the price to attract bookers with a big discount number, so you'll have to do your due diligence to determine if the listing is really worth what they're saying.
Do you still have to pay fees on a long-term Airbnb rental?
Yes — discounts only apply to the nightly rate, not the additional fees. You'll still pay Airbnb's service fee, which can climb with longer bookings, and occupancy taxes may apply depending on local laws and the length of your stay. Cleaning fees are typically similar to those for short-term rentals, though some hosts may charge more if they cater primarily to long-term guests.
Can you tour an Airbnb sublet before booking?
Not usually. While Airbnb sublets come with perks — like no separate utility bills or security deposits — they don't function like traditional rentals where you can schedule a walk-through. Most of the time, you'll need to book sight unseen. Airbnb recommends messaging the host with any questions before confirming your reservation. You can always ask if an in-person visit is possible, but hosts aren't required to allow it.
Do you have to pay for a long-term Airbnb rental upfront?
Unlike many short-term stays, you don't have to pay for your whole stay upfront if you are staying for multiple months. After you've booked your reservation,you'll pay for the first month as a down payment. Then, after you check-in, you'll then be charged monthly throughout your stay. The price is locked in when you book, so you don't have to worry about rates going up halfway through your reservation.
What if you need to cancel your long-term Airbnb?
Cancellation policies depend on the individual host. An Airbnb host can opt to allow cancellations up to a month before your visit or 48 hours after you book, so be sure to pay attention to the cancellation policy when booking. This doesn't give you much wiggle room to change your mind and if you do cancel outside that short window,you will still have to pay for the first 30 daysof your reservation and the service fee.
If you check in and decide to cancel after your trip has begun, you will not be refunded for the next 30 days after your cancellation. If you have extenuating circumstances that fall underAirbnb's Major Disruptive Events Policy, it may be possible to appeal for a full refund. If you are not confident in your travel plans, booking an Airbnb for a month or longer can be risky.
Are there any legalities to take into account?
Yes — long-term stays can involve extra paperwork. Depending on local tenant laws, your host might ask you tosign a rental agreementbefore your reservation is finalized. If that's the case, Airbnb requires the host to disclose this upfront. If a host tries to introduce a contract after booking, you have the right to decline and request a penalty-free cancellation.
Rules for long-term rentals vary by city, so the level of formality or documentation required can differ. Always review any agreement carefully, and don't hesitate to seek legal advice or walk away if something feels off.
