How to use Airbnb in Croatia without breaking the law

Choosing airbnb in Croatia is your best way to travel like a local. Staying private accommodation over hotels gives you a deeper experience. You can learn about authentic food and wine. Experience local customs, or even have a little crush on a local.

But what about the local law? Do you really have to dig so deep if you’re only visiting Croatia as a tourist?

Yes. Especially if you’re set on using Airbnb to score a perfect vacation apartment.

And perfect it will be. Because private accommodation in Croatia hits that sweet spot of homely yet elegant comfort for a very affordable price.

There’s just ONE thing you need to know. How to use Airbnb without breaking the Croatian law.

Good news: Croatia Airbnb is now available

Apartment rentals have always abounded on the Croatian coast. They are small family-run businesses that take great care of their guests. Some apartment hosts have built a loyal list of returning visitors without even having to advertise.

But as Croatia becomes more popular, there is need for more private accommodation. And the need to advertise to global travellers. This is where Airbnb and Booking.com lead the way.

Airbnb is known for supporting the sharing economy and allowing local people to earn extra cash. Plus it’s a good thing for properties not to be left empty and unused.

I use Airbnb both as a host and a traveller.

Why airbnb in Croatia stands out:

1 | Airbnb allows the host to introduce themselves to guests in a personal way. You don’t only choose accommodation based on nice pictures. You also opt for someone who can be a great local guide. For example, if you’re into art, booking with a local artist host means you’ll get great tips.

2 | Communicating with the host before booking allows you to ask questions. You can find important information, such as logistical details or travel recommendations. Airbnb hosts are always happy to help you plan your stay.

3 | Airbnb fosters a sense of community and trust. You can read reviews from other travellers to help you choose a perfect place. A host will review guests too, so guests treat a place with respect.

In the last two years of using Airbnb, I have earned the super host status. This means that more than 80% of my reviews are 5 stars. But here is the interesting thing. Guests value more how I take care of them than how my apartment is designed.

Not surprising. As travellers, we seek relationships with the local culture, not simply a nicely decorated space.

It has never been easier for global travellers to book private accommodation in Croatia. In fact, the Croatia Airbnb rentals last year grew by 122% compared to 2014.

So thanks to Airbnb, small entrepreneurs in Croatia are getting enough visibility to boost their businesses. There’s just one slight problem with such global booking platform.

It’s not adapted to local laws. And if you’re not familiar with them, you might breach them without even knowing.

Bad news: Airbnb in Croatia enables illegal renting

This is not to say that Airbnb is doing it on purpose. It just creates a grey zone that is easily abused by some property owners.

What do I mean by that?

By Croatian law, if you make money with short-term lettings, you need to register as a landlord. This makes you a small business owner with specific obligations. These regulations help with sustaining a good standard of rented properties.

When you rent from a registered business, it means that:

• The property has obtained electricity, gas, drinking water and noise certificates so that your stay is as safe as possible.
• The property has been classified according to the facilities it offers with 2, 3, 4 or 5 stars. Each star-level is globally standardised. This means you always know what kind of comfort you’ll get.
• The owner pays state tax as well as individual tourist fee that you incur as a traveller.
• The owner is listed with the Croatian Tourist Board.
• When you check in, the owner asks for your travel documents. They register your stay with the Tourist Board as well as with the police.

Running a renting business costs time and money, which is why some people try and do it illegally. They will advertise their properties on Airbnb. Even without getting certificates. They neither pay tax nor uphold to any standards.

They can do that because Airbnb doesn’t require them to follow the local law in order to join the program. When you browse their website, there is no way of knowing who is legal.

Illegal landlords also lower their prices because, without any costs to their business. They can do that because they don’t have such high costs. In the long run, however, they damage registered landlords. In essence, price dumping always results in substandard accommodation.

But the worst news for you as a traveller is this:

illegal landlords have no way of registering your stay with the police.

And according to the Croatian law, everyone travelling or staying in Croatia must do so within 48 hours of crossing the border!

Worst news: you are breaking the law when you rent illegally

When you check into a hotel or a legal private property, you automatically get registered with the police. This is great because you don’t have to worry about doing it on your own.

But if you don’t do it and the police stops you in the street:

you could pay the fine of up to 3,000 KN (€400).

The illegal landlord could get an ever higher fine: 50,000 KN (€6,650) for not registering their business and 7,000 KN (€930) for not registering you as their guest.

Here is the best way to make sure you are renting legally:

• Don’t go for the cheapest properties on Airbnb.
• When you find the one you like, start a conversation with the host before booking.
• Ask them if they are a registered landlord.
• Ask about the star-classification of their property.
• Tell them you’ll need to register your stay with the police.
• When you arrive to the property, give them your travel documents. Insist on being registered.

If you’re staying with Croatian friends at their summer house, you still need to register. But that’s easy enough. Just stroll down to a tourist office and fill out some forms.

Paperwork isn’t a problem, but not knowing who you’re renting from is.

Best news: enjoy some amazing Croatia Airbnb rentals

Croatia has some really stunning rentals that you can book through Airbnb.

And Airbnb has allowed many local people to switch their careers and become great hosts. Majority will treat you like family and welcome you with traditional food and drinks. They will go out of their way to show you their town or city.

You will never regret staying in a private accommodation because this is the best way to truly travel like a local.

It makes sense then to support them. To help them grow their small but unique businesses. Because this also helps Croatia develop a regulated, sustainable tourism.

So, don’t only rent cheap. Rent legally.

It’s not only about being fined or not.

There’s a bigger picture and you are in it.

Read about places to visit in Croatia.

Photo credit of the featured image: Tim Franklin Photography via Foter.com / CC BY-NC-ND