Tenants subletting your apartment on airbnb

What happens when an apartment owner finds out their tenant has been subletting their apartment on Airbnb? 

This week an apartment owner asked the Tenancy Tribunal to rule on the profits from a tenant subletting their apartment on Airbnb.  The tenant, under their Tenancy Agreement, had agreed to not sub-let the apartment specifically through Airbnb.

The Tribunal found in the owner's favour and directed the tenant to repay $2,150 to the owner.

However this is an issue that's greater than the profits of tenants on Airbnb.   Airbnb have the unique ability to disrupt the smooth operation of an apartment complex.

At an individual level, the owner will not know who is in their apartment and accordingly has no way of vetting these short term tenants.  When the tenants have not been vetted, this compromises the safety and security of everyone in the complex.  Owners can also expect more wear and tear on their apartment and who will be liable for any damage - the tenant? 

The Body Corporate should also expect damage to the common areas, akin to running a hotel.  What is the insurance situation for owners and Body Corporates respectively?  This should be a concern to owners and Body Corporates alike.   Airbnb's catchphrase is "Live like a Local", but what happens when the guests have gone?

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/104116952/landlords-tribunal-made-right-call-on-airbnb

Below there is another article about Airbnb operators not paying commercial rates and what Queenstown is doing.  One interesting point in the article is that Christchurch has more Airbnb to rent than Queenstown.  One host alone in Christchurch has 27 properties available.  The article raises interesting questions about apartments being compliant for short term guest accommodation, the resource consent, and disrupting the neighbours. 

​Airbnb not only disrupts the short term accommodation market, it also has an impact on the rental market.  More apartments available for Airbnb means fewer properties for long term tenants to rent.  These questions currently face the Christchurch City Council in their Long Term Plan, it will be very interesting to see what they come up with in the Plan.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/opinion-analysis/104063881/Hello-crooked-playing-field-time-to-make-Airbnb-owners-comply