In 2015, the L.A. Loft Blog began hearing increasing reports of loft renters subletting their units by using AirBNB. This practice seems to be rapidly increasing even though it is generally not legal.
AirBnB nightmaresAirBNB, a website that helps property owners connect with travelers and short-term renters who want to rent unique places in the U.S. and around the world, is getting more popular everywhere. Since most condominium homeowners associations in Los Angeles expressly prohibit short-term rentals, and most lease agreements prohibit subletting, it’s probably time for all landlords to give extra written warnings to make it abundantly clear to all tenants not to do any type of subletting such as AirBNB, and to also mention the potential fine (possibly up to $1,500 per day or more) that will be assessed to the property owner by the Homeowner’s Association, and then passed on to the subletting tenant and/or to the short-term rental guest. The City of Los Angeles may also fine the subletting tenant and property owner for not paying hotel taxes.
Renters and landlords who have had a bad experience using AirBNB either as a Host or as a Guest, have shared horror stories on Airbnbhell.com, the website that is dedicated to helping hosts and guests spread the word about the risks and dangers of using AirBNB.
VIDEO: House Trashed After Airbnb Drug-Induced Orgy
AirbnbHell has published a list of reasons why renters and landlords should not use AirBNB. AirbnbHell says that, at the very least, consumers and property owners should be aware of some serious issues with AirBNB services, and they should also consider other options, including AirBNB competitors.
For potential AirBNB guests (renters):
If any of the guests personal items or cash are stolen (by the host, other guests, or burglars) the guest is 100% out of luck and has no protection from AirBNB.
If there is a foul odor, loud noises, or any other problems with the room that are not easily documented with photos, the guest is out of luck and the guests claim for a refund will be denied.
There is no guarantee how many people might be living in a given home/condo while the guest is there. If there is a shared bathroom the guest might end up sharing it with 1 person, or 20.
A “fully stocked kitchen” means very different things to different people. One pot, 2 dishes and a handful of silverware does not mean that a guest can actually cook a meal there, yet this is not enough evidence to seek a claim for refund
If the guest buys groceries and then another guest or the host uses them or throws them away, the guest is out of luck.
If the host or another guest has a party every night, the complaining guest will have to thoroughly document each incident with video recordings and time stamps to seek any sort of claim or refund. Even then, it will be a battle that may take weeks.
AirBNB charges the guest about 15% on top of what the host actually receives for the reservation. That means that the guest COULD get a reservation for about 15% LESS if the property was booked directly with the host.
If the guest must cancel a reservation at the last minute, the host has the right to keep some or all of the money paid for the entire stay. The guest will not have any ability to write a review of the host if the guest cancels the reservation, even if the guest ends up paying for the entire stay and the host double-books the rental space.
For potential AirBNB host (property owners):
If the guest claims any sort of insect/pest/vermin problem, AirBNB will instantly return 50% of the guests money, even if it’s a year long reservation and the claim is false. AirbnbHell says that this is a common scam tactic.
If the guests steal the property owner’s cash or other difficult-to-prove assets, AirBNB will do nothing.
If the host makes any claim regarding damage to reclaim part or all of the security deposit, AirBNB will make things very difficult by demanding receipts for the hosts original purchase even if it’s furniture that they have owned for 20 years. If the host does not have receipts, they are out of luck, and even if they do, it will take weeks or months to get any resolution.
If the host waits more than 24 hours to make a claim regarding damage from guests, the claim will be denied by default.
AirBNB takes 3% of every reservation from the host, but they also take about 15% from the guest! That means the guests are WILLING to pay 18% more than the host is actually receiving but the host is not getting any of that extra money.
Even if the property owner uses a Strict Cancellation Policy to as protection from flaky guests canceling their reservation at the last minute, AirBNB has the right to override that policy at any time and without warning or explanation refund the guest the entire amount of their reservation, even if it’s less than 24 hours before the guest is scheduled to check in.
The “1 million dollar host guarantee” is virtually impossible to actually claim. AirbnbHell warns property owners not to for this “marketing ploy”.
Most professional lease forms contain wording that prohibits subletting, such as the California Realtor lease form:
1.
PROPERTY:
A.
Landlord rents to Tenant and Tenant rents from Landlord, the real property and improvements described as:
(“Premises”).
B.
The Premises are for the sole use as a personal residence by the following named person(s) only
15.
RULES/REGULATIONS:
A.
Tenant agrees to comply with all Landlord rules and regulations that are at any time posted on the Premises or delivered to Tenant. Tenant shall not, and shall ensure that guests and licensees of Tenant shall not, disturb, annoy, endanger or interfere
with other tenants of the building or neighbors, or use the Premises for any unlawful purposes, including, but not limited to, using, manufacturing, selling, storing or transporting illicit drugs or other contraband, or violate any law or ordinance, or commit a
waste or nuisance on or about the Premises.
16.
(If checked) CONDOMINIUM; PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT:
A.
The Premises are a unit in a condominium, planned unit development, common interest subdivision or other development governed by a homeowners’ association (“HOA”). The name of the HOA is
.
Tenant agrees to comply with all HOA covenants, conditions and restrictions, bylaws, rules and regulations and decisions (“HOA Rules”). Landlord shall provide Tenant copies of HOA Rules, if any. Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any fines or charges imposed by HOA or other authorities, due to any violation by Tenant, or the guests or licensees of Tenant.
21.
ASSIGNMENT; SUBLETTING: Tenant shall not sublet all or any part of Premises, or assign or transfer this Agreement or any interest in it, without Landlord’s prior written consent. Unless such consent is obtained, any assignment, transfer or subletting of
Premises or this Agreement or tenancy, by voluntary act of Tenant, operation of law or otherwise, shall, at the option of Landlord, terminate this Agreement. Any proposed assignee, transferee or sublessee shall submit to Landlord an application and credit
information for Landlord’s approval and, if approved, sign a separate written agreement with Landlord and Tenant. Landlord’s consent to any one assignment, transfer or sublease, shall not be construed as consent to any subsequent assignment, transfer or
sublease and does not release Tenant of Tenant’s obligations under this Agreement.
Find homes in Downtown Los Angeles:
LOFT & CONDO LISTINGS DOWNTOWN L.A. [MAP]
SEARCH LOFTS FOR SALE UNDER $400,000 | $800,000, | $30,000,000
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The best LA lofts for lease go very quickly, so prospective Downtown renters can get the best deals on the most amazing Los Angeles rentals when they keep an eye on what is new on the market.
The Just Listed lofts list below will help a lot. #dtla #lofts #rentals
DIRECTIONS: OFF 5TH AND HILL, WEST OF MAIN STREET, EAST OF OLIVE STREET, NORTH OF 6TH STREET, AND SOUTH OF 4TH STREET.
REMARKS: Open LOFT at the SB Grand, Featuring glossy wood floors, exposed ceiling beams, washer and dryer in bathroom, granite tile counter tops, stainless steel appliances, and a private balcony. Building features, 24-hr security door person, gym, and roof top pool. Parking is available Inside building The building is centrally located in the heart of the historic, steps to Perishing Square, Steps to the red line! ONLY Electricity to be Covered by Tenant, All other Utilities to be covered by Landlord.
DIRECTIONS: Corner of Grand Ave and 11th St, just a few blocks East of Staples Ctr., and LA Live
REMARKS: Beautiful LOFT in Elleven-South. 4th floor unit facing East with beautiful panoramic view from walls of glass windows and french double doors with juliette balcony. Hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances, washer/dryer inside. Rent includes assigned parking in subterranean garage. Amenities incl. pool, spa, sundeck and bbq louge area in building common area. Starbucks at the ground floor. Walk to Hygge Bakery, Staples Ctr & LA Live, Rivera, Palm Restaurants, Ralphs. Tenant occupied until November 20, 2015. Showing with 24 hour notice on week days after 530pm or on week-ends only.
ROOMS: Living,Loft,Utility
AMENIT: Assoc Barbecue,Assoc Maintains Landscape,Assoc Pet Rules,Controlled Access,Elevator,Gated Community,Gated Community Guard,Gated Parking,Onsite Property Management,Outdoor Cooking Area,Pool,Security,Spa,Sun Deck
REMARKS: The Roosevelt was beautifully restored and updated with the latest amenities. These Live/Work Soft Lofts feature gorgeous hardwood floors, designer baths with soaker tubs, walk in closets, high ceilings, arched windows, subzero fridge, bosh washer and driers and kitchen island in most units. Undoubtedly one the best locations in Downtown LA in the heart of the financial district with easy access to the subway, restaurants, shops and all Downtown has to offer. Resort style living with 24/7 valet, guest parking, roof deck pool and cabanas, gym, doorman/concierge, massage room, tanning room and more.
DIRECTIONS: South on Spring St, building entrance is on Spring Street just north of 5th.
REMARKS: The Rowan Lofts is one of the most popular buildings in the Historic Core, because of it’s impeccable styling and Historic Charm, as well as it’s Central Location. Units were newly constructed in 2007 with high end Bosch appliances, warm hardwood floors (with plenty of padding between units, you can’t hear your neighbors!). Large windows and Brick accents add to the warm feel of the unit. Owner installed Interior SOUNDPROOFING WINDOWS on all windows (they markedly reduce street noise). 2 Full bathrooms and Washer/Dryer in unit. All basic utilities except Electric included.
REMARKS: Over 1,000 sq ft Live/Work loft in Barker Block, bright unit with huge windows and great views of the bridges and San Gabriel mountains. Polished concrete floors, high ceilings, modern kitchen w/caesarstone counter tops, stainless steel appliances, marble bathroom with oversized tub, washer/dryer in unit, custom lighting, amazing rooftop pool terrace w/ bbq’s & cabanas / views, large state-of-the-art fitness center overlooking the city, gated parking. Walk to Little Tokyo and Arts district restaurants and bars.
DIRECTIONS: Downtown Los Angeles at the corner of Broadway and 9th Street. North of Olympic. 1 block east of Hill St.
REMARKS: EXPERIENCE DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES FINEST ART DECO LOFT LIVING AT THE EASTERN COLUMBIA BUILDING, AN ICONIC LANDMARK IN THE HEART OF THE CITY RENAISSANCE! STUNNING DETAILED VINTAGE DECO TURQUOISE TILE CLAD EXTERIOR, MONUMENTAL CLOCK TOWER, SPECTACULAR ROOF TOP VIEW POOL AND GYM, ELEGANT LOBBY. SURROUNDED BY ACE HOTEL AND THEATER, ORPHEUM THEATER, ART WALK, VIBRANT RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE, AND CLOSE TO LA LIVE. THIS PREMIUM SPACIOUS UNIT FACES THE WESTERN SUNSETS WITH ITS RARE BALCONY AND LARGE WINDOWS. GLAZED CONCRETE FLOOR, HIGH LOFT CEILING, BEDROOM ALCOVE, GLEAMING SUBWAY TILE BATH, GALLEY STYLE STAINLESS KITCHEN, COMBINATION WASHER-DRYER IN UNIT. AMENITIES INCLUDE: concierge, large laundry room, one parking spot in attached garage, dog run, community garden. Lease includes water, gas and parking.
ROOMS: Loft
AMENIT: Concierge,Controlled Access,Elevator,Fire Pit,Fitness Center,Gated Community Guard,Onsite Property Management,Pool,Security,Spa,Sun Deck
DIRECTIONS: LOCATED ON CORNER OF 11TH ST AND GRAND AVENUE
REMARKS: 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom loft for lease in Downtown Los Angeles. Located minutes frpm L.A. Live, Staples Center, Ralph’s Market and soon to be Whole Foods market. Loft is located in a very clean area of Downtown called South Park. The unit can also be used as a 1 bedroom as it has an open flor layout. The building is zoned live/work. Master bathroom features walk in closet , house washer/dryer in unit, balcony, along with secured parking attached to the building. The unit has great views of the city and great for someone looking to enjoy the Downtown Area. PLEASE NOTE: Absolutely no AIRBNB or subleasing allowed.
ROOMS: Art Studio,Breakfast Bar,Den/Office,Master Bedroom,Walk-In Closet
AMENIT: Controlled Access,Gated Community,Gated Community Guard,Gated Parking
REMARKS: Enjoy living in one of LA’s most prestigious and historic buildings among celebrities, artists and moguls. Pure 1940s retro with modern amenities. This upper level loft features high ceilings and towering windows that showcase some of the best views in all of LA from skyscrapers to amazing sunsets. Perfect for entertaining or just chilling out. The rooftop features the hottest pool/spa in all downtown showcasing views and the historic EC clock tower. Great for lounging in the sun, sipping wine while watching an amazing sunset or enjoying a late night swim. We also have a gym. Walking distance to the best DTLA has to offer. Come make this your new home.
DIRECTIONS: 101 Fwy South to Alameda, South to 4th Street, East to Hewitt St (turn left)
REMARKS: The Arts Districts’s highly regarded Barker Block! Rooftop pool & cabana’s, fitness center Rare southern end loft for lease, extremely quite, large open floor-plan with 2 full bathrooms and proper foyer/entrance, exposed timber ceilings, complete southern wall of floor to ceiling windows allowing in ton’s of sunlight, stainless steel appliances washer/dryer in unit, custom closets in bedroom and entrance. Walk to everything The Arts District has to offer, Urth Cafe, Zinc cafe, Urban Radish, Church & State, Little Bear, Wurstkuche, Americano, Cerveteca, Angel City Brewery, Grow and so much more!
REMARKS: Located in the sought after Arts District is this customized loft with expansive views of downtown LA skyline, upgrades include remote controlled shades with timer to keep your unit cool in the summer, modern designed lighting throughout the unit, all controlled by a wireless system, other upgrades include custom built closets in the bed area, walls of shelving for more storage, a large pantry in the kitchen with stainless steel appliances, cement ceilings and polished cement floors, makes this unit an easy canvas for your imagination to add your own style! Loft includes an in-unit W/D, one gated attached covered parking, and 24/7 security on site. Luxurious amenities include a resort- style roof top with pool/spa, cabanas, fireplace, and fitness center. Come and enjoy a stylish/urban living at the Barker Block.
REMARKS: This beautiful unit available for immediate move-in, located at the Downtown’s newest residential and mixed-use developments. Loft style floor plan with hardwood floors throughout, upgraded kitchen with stainless steel appliances, dishwasher, refrigerator, washer/dryer and 2 side by side parking space in a gated parking garage. Floor to ceiling glass window offer gorgeous views and allow abundant natural light. Sky loft amenities include 24/7 concierge, security, gym and large resident’s lounge. Walking distance to Live/Staples center. Bottega Louie, ralphs and metro. ( The Wholefood market will be open very soon at nearby). All lessees are required to carry “renter’s insurance”
REMARKS: Available 12/1/15 No Smoking, No Pets,good credit is a must! Located in the highly sought after neighborhood of South Park in Downtown LA, this fantastic 2 Bedroom open concept loft is just 3 blocks from the Staples Center, LA Live and a number of great shops and restaurants. With an open floor plan, this is what downtown living is all about.Floor to ceiling windows in Master bedroom. Hardwood flooring throughout, Elfa closets in both closets,custom window blinds, custom built desk/computer work station, cabinets, bookshelves and wine rack. The unit has in unit washer/dryer & stainless steel appliances. Bedrooms are not enclosed. 2 parking spots are included
DIRECTIONS: Corner of Grand Ave and 12th St. just two blocks from the Staples Ctr, LA Live and the Ritz
REMARKS: ONE OF VERY FEW 1BR UNITS IN THE BLDG WITH 2 PARKING!! …. Stunning WEST facing 1BR+Den/2BA loft at EVO… .DTLA’s premier high rising living. Panoramic views of Staples Ctr., The Ritz-Carlton, LA Live, the Hollywood Hills, the building pool/sun deck, and the Historic Core (Eastern Columbia building). Property has premium window shades, beautiful dark brown hard wood floors, stainless steel appliances, and washer/dryer included. Large corner balcony to with impeccable views. Walk to the games at Staples Ctr., to LA Live, Regal Theaters, The Ritz, Hygge Bakery, Starbucks, Rivera, Palms, Ralphs and FIDM. Available November 25th!
LP: $3,000
