Tenant as my Airbnb manager

[Joaquin Camarasa]

Hi all,

I just purchased a fixer upper that I will be house hacking and rehabbing. I will be renting the basement and I am also turning the garage into a living space with private entrance and a small backyard, a little apartment we could say.

I have checked the Airbnb comps in the area and for a private room, they go for about $95 a night. The downside is managing reservations and cleaning. I want to avoid that.

I have thought about renting my basement to somebody willing to manage the Airbnb for me. Finished basements with private entrance in the area go for about $1300 - $1400. I was thinking to drop the rent to $500 and find somebody to handle cleaning and reservations.

I am requiring a minimum of three nights for the Airbnb guests. So, basically, it would be one or two cleanings a week and managing 2 reservations a week.

2 questions:

1. Does this sound reasonable?

2. Is this fully legal to exchange work for a reduced rent amount?