Approaching a Property Manager About Leasing for Airbnb Beállítások

[beneathftr]

I'm looking to buy a property in Baltimore use as a short-term rental full time via Airbnb. While working through the slower parts of the purchase process (financing through a small credit union), the thought occurs to me - Why not see if I could rent a home or two and do the same thing?

I've read some posts here about owners angered by their tenants doing Airbnb on the sly. I understand. That's not what I'm after. I want to do this totally on the up-and-up with PMs and/or LLs being totally aware of my intentions.

I take for granted that landlords/PMs are going to be predisposed to reject use as a STR - especially full time.

What are some good ideas about how to approach landlords or their reps and assuage their worries?

My instincts say I should be very forthcoming - not even asking for a viewing of a listing until I've come clean about my Airbnb plans.

I'll also assure - and even encourage the LL to put into the lease - that I will have a STR-tailored commercial insurance policy that will supersede homeowners insurance. (Propoer Ins, underwritten by Lloyds seems like the gold standard here.)

I would also be willing to put down 2 months rent as a deposit (max allowed in MD, I believe, and double the standard).

I can also pay more, say 10% or even 15-20%, more than current list. In most cases, that is still will below the initial listing amount from when the properties went on the market in May, June or July.

I'm also only planning to approach on properties that have been vacant for 5+ months. The Baltimore market is slower than a lot of others and a lot of big apartments are coming on line. There appears to be diminishing demand for the 4 bedroom townhomes that I'd prefer.

Many thanks in advance for any thoughts, ideas or practices that have worked in the past.

[bining]

So far, it sounds like if I can effectively communicate the pitch "you'll make more money, I'll cover any and all risks, and - perhaps first - I know what I'm doing," then I'm on the best possible track. I am open to offering a cut of the profits - but I'm not sure if that's going to be too complicated starting out. I'll also put my resume on the table so the PM/LL knows I've handled decently complex work and should be up to this task. Anything to help me seem less random and crazy.

I do not yet have personal experience as a host (my apartment is not an option -- entry is super-complicated and tied to a 'precious' FOB device), but I've watched closely as my girlfriend has successfully Airbnb'd her townhome in DC and she has already suggested that I list her as a partner. Note: I have a great gf.

The sequencing is sort of backwards, but I also plan - regardless of the rental route - to purchase in the same neighborhood and Airbnb the home (eventually 'homes') that I own. If I were already doing so, that would be the first line of my pitch: "Hey, I own 123 X Street and do this there. It works. I'm not getting sued. I want to do it with a place you rent out. Let's both make money."

Thanks again for all of the input. These posts are clarifying and encouraging. I'll post any and all updates here. I'm getting more clarity on insurance tomorrow & putting together a couple of slides on comparable Airbnb properties in the neighborhood... ducks in a row and all.