Perfect for college students who don't plan on sticking around for the summer, the apartment sublet service pays your rent when you are away. Montreal-based startup Flatbook is an application of the sharing economy in the hospitality industry. The new venture manages properties whose owners are away for extended periods of time. They also offer add-ons you won't find with an Airbnb rental, like pre-ordered groceries and an iPhone to help foreign travelers avoid roaming charges.
The subletting program guarantees that rent and utilities will be paid for leaseholders. This makes the apartment sublet scheme ideal for international students or for homeowners going away for at least two months. After filling out a questionnaire online, accepted leaseholders get free storage, $10,000 USD damage protection and their place looked after. Flatbook is currently operating in more than 30 cities internationally.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Rent-paying Subletting
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a platform that connects leaseholders with trustworthy subletters, ensuring rent and utilities are paid during periods of vacancy.
- Sharing Economy in Hospitality
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a service that connects homeowners with trusted individuals who can manage their properties and offer additional amenities to renters in their absence.
- Add-ons for Rental Properties
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build a platform that allows homeowners to offer unique add-ons and amenities to enhance the rental experience, attracting more renters and increasing revenue.
Where This Applies
- Real Estate
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop a service that utilizes the sharing economy to connect homeowners with potential subletters during periods of vacancy, ensuring consistent rental income.
- Hospitality
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create a platform that allows homeowners to offer unique amenities and services to enhance the rental experience, attracting more guests and improving customer satisfaction.
- E-commerce
- Disruptive innovation opportunity: Build an online marketplace that facilitates the sale of add-ons and services for rental properties, offering homeowners additional revenue streams and renters more customization options.
