Subleasing or utilizing rental arbitrage allows individuals to manage and list properties on Airbnb without direct ownership. This involves renting a property long-term and then re-listing it on Airbnb for short-term stays, potentially generating income from the difference between the long-term rent and the short-term rental revenue. For example, an individual may rent an apartment for $1500 a month and then list it on Airbnb, generating $2500 a month in revenue through short-term rentals.
This strategy provides an opportunity to enter the short-term rental market with lower upfront investment compared to purchasing property. It enables entrepreneurs to test the viability of the Airbnb hosting business model in a particular location and gauge its profitability before committing to property ownership. Historically, individuals have explored these models to supplement income and capitalize on the growing demand for short-term accommodations.