Although the popularity of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb are skyrocketing in terms of popularity, many listings are in fact illegal rentals. Many apartment buildings have rules and policies in place that are supposed to prevent short-term renters from becoming prevalent. It is a safety issue for many, as the tenants can be in danger if hosts are relying on a constant string of temporary guests and keys are always changing hands. This is especially the case when hosts are not screening properly. Property damage and even death can be the result.
Building Snitch, which hasn't officially launched yet, hopes to help landlord keep illegal rentals from their building. Interested parties can search their building while the service's algorithms search for listings on sites like Airbnb, VRBO, Couchsurfing and Homeaway.
Renter Tattletale Services
Building Snitch Helps Landlords Uncover Illegal Rentals on Airbnb
Trend Themes
1. Illegal Rental Detection - Building Snitch is one example of technology that can detect illegal short-term rentals, creating opportunities for similar services to disrupt the real estate industry.
2. Tenant Safety Enhancement - An opportunity exists for companies to develop technology that can enhance tenant safety, possibly through the use of background checks or guest monitoring.
3. Short-term Rental Regulation - As short-term rental platforms like Airbnb gain popularity, there is an opportunity for companies to provide technology to help landlords ensure compliance with building rules and regulations.
Industry Implications
1. Real Estate - Building Snitch and similar services have the potential to disrupt the real estate industry by providing technology to detect illegal short-term rentals.
2. Hospitality - Opportunities exist for companies in the hospitality industry to provide technology to enhance tenant safety and background check services for short-term renters.
3. Compliance - Technology that assists landlords in ensuring short-term rental compliance could disrupt the compliance industry and provide new opportunities for growth.