I inherited a small apartment in Munich and thought I could rent it out over the year on Airbnb to cover the utilities. But now I keep hearing everywhere that you need permits for that and that it's really complicated in some cities. Can someone explain what exactly I need to do before I list it online?
In Munich, you definitely need a permit - the city has strict rules about this. You're allowed to rent out your apartment for a maximum of 60 days per year on a short-term basis without having to register it as a lodging business. Anything beyond that requires a permit, and you'll need what's called a "change of use permit" from the city. The problem is: Munich barely issues these permits anymore because the housing market is already tight. So you should first contact the District Administrative Office (KVR) to find out whether a permit for your situation is even possible.
Here's how I'd approach it concretely: Check the City of Munich website for the current requirements on change of use - the rules keep changing. Then contact the relevant department and explain your situation. They'll tell you whether you have any chance at all or if the 60 days per year is the maximum for you. If you don't register and rent it out anyway, you risk fines in the four-digit range.
Alternatively, you could rent the apartment long-term - that's completely unproblematic and covers your utilities too. Just not as flexible as Airbnb.
The best approach is to call the Office for Housing and Migration in Munich and ask specifically whether your situation falls under the 60-day rule or whether you need a permit - it depends on how you want to use the apartment and whether you live there yourself or not. With my relative it was similar: he wanted to rent out his attic apartment, but only figured out after calling that the city distinguishes between "occasional" rentals and actual commercial operation. If you want to rent it out for more than 60 days per year or if the apartment isn't your primary residence, you definitely need to register as an accommodation business, and then taxes and possibly other requirements come into play as well. Call the authorities before you post anything online - it's free and saves you hassle later.
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