Santa Rosa, CA asked in Landlord - Tenant and Consumer Law for California

Q: I need to know about the legality of non-payment in an air bnb house.

My business partner and I have been renting an air bnb house for 13 months (120 days first booking, then extended) with no problems. We are involved in a long-term global financial partnership that is awaiting conclusion and is finally being concluded now. The rent has been paid from my partner's account at Chase, but this month there was an issue between Chase and B of A concerning $25,000 and an investor into the long-term program on which we have been working. Basically, that money is ibn limbo for up to another 20 days but should eventually be returned to us. We are informed our rental payment did not go through -- it is legally due tomorrow. But we might need another couple of weeks to get all this straightened out, at which time we will be glad to pay the rent, leave the house and agree to any penalties due. I have found conflicting infoirmation regarding evictions in air bnb -- most say since we have been here so long, we are tenants and would require a court order to leav

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Landlord Tenant Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, the distinction between a short-term guest and a tenant hinges on the length of stay and the agreement's terms. If you've been renting a property on Airbnb for over 30 days, especially continuously, you may be considered a tenant under state law, granting you rights similar to those in traditional rental agreements.

Non-payment of rent, even in an Airbnb scenario, can lead to eviction processes. However, if you are considered a tenant, the landlord must provide proper notice, usually 3 days to pay rent or quit, followed by court proceedings for eviction if the rent remains unpaid. The process is judicial and can take time, particularly if you contest the eviction.

Since your situation involves a delay in payment due to financial disputes, communication with your Airbnb host might provide a temporary solution. You should explain the situation and seek an agreement or extension. If the host agrees, document this in writing. If you can't reach an agreement, prepare for potential legal notices and understand your rights during the eviction process.

1 user found this answer helpful

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.