Responsible hosting in Russia
You can read this article in Russian and English.
We’ve put together this article to help Hosts on Airbnb become familiar with hosting responsibilities, and to provide a general overview of different laws, regulations, and best practices that may affect Hosts. You’re required to follow our guidelines, like our Hosting Standards, and to make sure that you follow the laws and other rules that apply to your specific circumstances and locale.
We recommend that you do your own research, as this article isn’t comprehensive, and doesn’t constitute legal or tax advice. Also, as we don’t update this article in real time, please check each source and make sure that the information provided hasn’t recently changed.
Table of contents
Health and cleanliness
In the context of the COVID-19 health crisis, the implementation of appropriate health and safety measures will be at the heart of the recovery of the tourism sector. Global information about Airbnb’s 5-step enhanced cleaning process can be found in general info about hosting places to stay.
Key recommendations on cleaning
- You can find more information from the World Health Organization’s Russian Federation- Response to Covid-19 pandemic page
- For cleaning and disinfection guidelines, recommendations from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
- Recommendations on waiting to enter the space before cleaning and disinfection from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Recommendations from Rospotrebnadzor concerning cleaning in residential buildings (short form and long form) and for hotel accommodation
You can also access information about COVID-19 response in Russia, including FAQs.
National taxes
Tax is a complex topic. Your own tax obligations can vary based on your particular circumstances, so we recommend that you research your obligations or consult a tax professional to get more specific information.
In general, the money you earn as a Host on Airbnb is considered taxable income which may be subject to different taxes like rental tax, income tax, or VAT.
Tax forms for Russia are generally due by 30 April each tax year. Check with the Tax Agency to find out if you need to declare the amount you earn from hosting, which you can find in your host earnings summary. It’s also a good idea to find out if you’re eligible for other credits like tax reliefs and allowances.
Different circumstances may apply if you rent out your home as an individual entrepreneur or legal entity. Check with the Federal Tax Service of Russia to learn more about how taxes apply to your situation.
Self-employed tax regime
If you rent out your home as an individual, you may have the right to register as a self-employed person, and pay a reduced tax through a simplified procedure for declaring income. This tax regime is now available in every region in Russia. To register, you have to download the “My Taxes” app developed by the Federal Tax Service. To qualify as self-employed, you would have to meet the requirements established by Russian law. You can check with the Federal Tax Service of Russia to learn more about the self-employed tax regime. Given the COVID-19 circumstances, additional tax benefits have been made available in the mobile application "My Tax" as of 1 June 2020.
Free tax guide
We want to make it easy for you to understand your tax responsibilities as a host on Airbnb, so we’ve partnered with an independent third-party accounting firm to provide a free tax guide (available in Russian and English) that covers general tax information in Russia.
Regulations and permissions
It’s important to make sure you’re allowed to host on your property. Some examples of restrictions include contracts, laws, and community rules. Check with a lawyer or local authority to learn more about regulations, restrictions, and obligations specific to your circumstances.
You can use the general info in this article as a starting point around hosting regulations and permissions.
Guest registration
Russian legislation establishes the procedure for registration of foreign nationals, stateless persons, and Russian citizens according to their place of residence.
If you provide accommodation to a foreign national or a stateless person, you, as the Host, are required to provide notification of the arrival of the foreign national or stateless person within 7 working days from the date of the foreigner's arrival. You can submit a notification at the territorial office of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation or the multi-functional center for provision of public and municipal services personally or by post. Please note that foreign nationals traveling in the Russian Federation for fewer than 7 days may not need to be registered. If you provide accommodation to a Russian citizen for more than 90 days, your guest must apply for temporary registration at the place of residence.
Check with the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation to learn about required documentation and more.
Contractual agreements and permits
Sometimes leases, contracts, building regulations, and community rules have restrictions against subletting or hosting. Review any contracts you’ve signed or contact your landlord, community council, or other authority.
You might be able to add an addendum to your lease or contract that can provide clarity about concerns, responsibilities, and liabilities for all parties.
Mortgage restrictions
If your property has a mortgage (or any form of loan), check with the lender to make sure that there aren’t restrictions against subletting or hosting.
Subsidized housing restrictions
Subsidized housing usually has rules that prohibit subletting without permission. Check with your housing authority or housing association if you live in a subsidized housing community and are interested in becoming a Host.
Housemates
If you share your home with others, consider making a formal agreement with your housemates in order to outline expectations. Housemate agreements can include how often you plan to host, guest etiquette, whether you'll share revenue, and more.
Misuse
Russian legislation includes requirements about the proper use of accommodations and, in particular, it prohibits the location of hotels in residential buildings and the use of residential apartments in multi-apartment buildings to offer hotel services.
We’ll take appropriate action if anyone notifies us of potential misuse. We have guidelines to help local authorities report housing misuse.
Safety
We care about the safety of Hosts and their guests. You can improve your guests’ peace of mind by providing a few simple preparations like emergency instructions and noting any potential hazards.
Emergency contact information
Include a contact list with the following phone numbers:
- Local emergency numbers
- The number for the nearest hospital
- Your contact number
- A number for a backup contact (in case guests can’t reach you)
It’s also a good idea to make sure guests know the best way to contact you in case of an emergency. You can also communicate with guests using messages on Airbnb as a safe alternative.
Medical supplies
Keep a first aid kit and tell your guests where it is. Check it regularly so you can restock supplies if they run out.
Fire prevention
If you have gas appliances, follow any applicable gas safety regulations and make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector. Provide a fire extinguisher and remember to maintain it regularly.
Exits
Ensure you have a clearly marked fire escape route. Post a map of the route so it’s easy for guests to see.
Hazard prevention
Here are some ways you can help prevent potential hazards:
- Inspect your home to identify any areas where guests might trip or fall
- Remove the hazards you identify or mark them clearly
- Fix any exposed wires
- Make sure your stairs are safe and have railings
- Remove or lock up any objects that may be dangerous to your guests
Child safety
Some guests travel with young family members and need to understand if your home is right for them. You can use the Additional notes section of Listing details in your Airbnb account to indicate potential hazards or indicate that your home isn’t suitable for children and infants.
Climate control
Working appliances, like furnaces and air conditioners, can greatly affect your guests’ comfort during their stay. There are lots of ways you can make sure your guests stay comfortable:
- Make sure your home is properly ventilated
- Provide instructions on how to safely use the heater and air conditioning
- Check that the thermostat is working correctly and make sure that guests know where to find it
- Service the appliances regularly
Occupancy limits
Establish safe occupancy limits. Your local government may have guidelines.
Courtesy
Part of being a responsible Host is helping your guests understand best practices for interacting with your community. When you communicate local rules and customs with your guests, you’re helping to create a great experience for everyone.
Building rules
If your building has common spaces or shared amenities, let guests know the rules for those places.
House rules
You can include your house rules on the Additional notes section of Listing details in your Airbnb account. Guests usually appreciate it when you share your expectations with them upfront.
Neighbors
It’s usually a good idea to let your neighbors know if you’re planning to host. This gives them the chance to let you know if they have any concerns or considerations.
Noise
Guests book through Airbnb for lots of reasons, including vacations and celebrations. Let your guests know how noise impacts neighbors early on for a smoother experience.
If you’re concerned about disturbances to your community, there are different ways you can help limit excessive noise:
- Implement a quiet hours policy
- Don’t allow pets
- Indicate that your listing isn’t suitable for children or infants
- Prohibit parties and additional unregistered guests
Remember that Russia has regional laws designed to ensure peace and quiet for citizens, which specify the period of time during which residents must keep the noise down. For example:
- Quiet hours in Moscow are from 11pm-7am
- Quiet hours in St. Petersburg are from 10pm-8am
Check with your local government to see what noise restrictions are enforced where you live.
Parking
Communicate any parking rules for your building and neighborhood to your guests. Examples of possible parking rules:
- Only park in an assigned space
- Don’t park on the west side of the street on Tuesdays and Thursdays due to street cleaning
- Street parking is only available from 7pm–7am
Pets
First, check your lease or building rules to make sure there isn’t a restriction on pets. If you allow guests to bring pets, they’ll appreciate knowing good places to exercise their pet or where they should dispose of waste. Share a backup plan, like the number of a nearby pet kennel, in case a guest's pet upsets the neighbors.
Remember that pets must be kept in residential premises in a way that does not violate health codes, the interests of others, and the housing management rules.
Privacy
Always respect your guests' privacy. Our rules on surveillance devices clearly state what we expect from our Hosts, but some locations have additional laws and regulations that you’ll need to be aware of.
Smoking
If you don't allow smoking, we suggest posting signs to remind guests. If you do allow smoking, be sure to provide ashtrays in designated areas.
Inform guests that smoking in elevators and common areas of apartment buildings is prohibited by Federal Law No. 15-FZ of February 23, 2013 "On the Protection of Public Health from Exposure to Tobacco Smoke".
Insurance
Work with your insurance agent or carrier to determine what kind of obligations, limits, and coverage are required for your specific circumstances.
Host damage protection and Host liability insurance
AirCover for Hosts includes Host damage protection and Host liability insurance, which provide you with basic coverage for listed damages and liabilities. However, these don’t take the place of homeowner's insurance, renter's insurance, or adequate liability coverage. You might need to meet other insurance requirements as well.
We strongly encourage all Hosts to review and understand the terms of their insurance policy coverage. Not all insurance plans will cover damage or loss of property caused by a guest who books your accommodation.
Learn more about AirCover for Hosts.
Liability and basic coverage
Review your homeowner's or renter's policy with your insurance agent or carrier to make sure your listing has adequate liability coverage and property protection.
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Other hosting information
Check out our hosting FAQs to learn more about hosting on Airbnb.
Please note that Airbnb has no control over the conduct of Hosts and disclaims all liability. Failure of Hosts to satisfy their responsibilities may result in suspension of activity or removal from the Airbnb website. Airbnb isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites (including any links to legislation and regulations).