Exclusive Possession, “Contractualisation” and the Lease-Licence Dichotomy : A Reconsideration of Legal Categorisation in the Airbnb Era

Journal article


Diaz-Granados Prieto, Juan Jose. (2024). Exclusive Possession, “Contractualisation” and the Lease-Licence Dichotomy : A Reconsideration of Legal Categorisation in the Airbnb Era. Adelaide Law Review. 45(2), pp. 250-272.
AuthorsDiaz-Granados Prieto, Juan Jose
Abstract

Airbnb is one of the most disruptive companies in the 'Sharing Economy'. Its business model is built upon a triangular structure of legal relationships that remains poorly understood and inadequately analysed in terms of legal classification. This article examines the issue of legal categorisation vis-a-vis the relationship between the Airbnb host and the Airbnb guest. Focusing on the common law distinction between leases and licences, this article re-evaluates the analysis of the lease-licence dichotomy in the context of Airbnb. It argues that the elements of possession - physical control ('factum possessionis') and relevant intention ('animus possidendi') - should be considered in the lease-license analysis. With this normative claim, this article concludes that contrary to the decision in 'Swan v Uecker', the contractual arrangement between the Airbnb host and the Airbnb guest should be categorised as a licence relationship, rather than a lease.

KeywordsBed and breakfast accommodations; Law and legislation; Landlord and tenant; Leases; Licenses; Property; Gig economy
Year01 Jan 2024
JournalAdelaide Law Review
Journal citation45 (2), pp. 250-272
PublisherAdelaide Law Review Association
ISSN0065-1915
Web address (URL)https://search.informit.org/doi/10.3316/informit.T2024102200000790238574274
Open accessPublished as non-open access
Research or scholarlyResearch
Page range250-272
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All rights reserved
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Controlled
Output statusPublished
Publication dates
Print2024
Publication process dates
AcceptedNov 2024
Deposited28 Jan 2025
Additional information

© Adelaide Law Review Association.

Place of publicationAustralia
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