Airbnb Reaches Out to Big Landlords to Share Their Tenants’ Spoils


Skift Take

Airbnb, in theory, could ease some cities' opposition to its business by giving landlords a revenue share of their tenants' rentals. It's an interesting idea, albeit with tons of hurdles.

Airbnb Inc., the short-term apartment rental site that’s rankled landlords nationwide, is seeking a reconciliation. The startup is reaching out to some of the largest U.S. apartment owners with the aim of working out a deal in which tenants can rent out their units through the website -- and have their landlord’s blessing. San Francisco-based Airbnb is in early talks with companies including Sam Zell’s Equity Residential, AvalonBay Communities Inc. and Camden Property Trust, according to a person with knowledge of the discussions. Airbnb, with a $25.5 billion valuation, is surging in urban hot spots around the U.S., making landlords out of people who own no property, and drawing scrutiny from city governments and neighbors. At the same time, it’s growing in popularity with tenants who see