As urban centers worldwide experience a surge in tourism, daily apartment rentals have emerged as an increasingly popular venture for property owners.

In Mitrovica, a city witnessing an influx of tourists, many homeowners are exploring this business opportunity, often unaware of the complexities involved.

Rental prices for short-term accommodations typically range between 30 to 40 euros per night, which initially seems lucrative.

However, operators reveal that the reality is often far more complicated than expected.

Many property owners in Mitrovica, having inherited apartments or owning extra space, decide to rent out their properties short-term.

Some undertake this alongside their regular jobs, while others establish full-time entrepreneurial ventures focused solely on accommodation services.

A seasoned landlord from Mitrovica noted that success in this field requires multifaceted roles, including host, cleaner, handyman, receptionist, and accountant.

Guests commonly book accommodations through platforms such as Airbnb, Booking.com, and local websites or Facebook groups.

However, a significant number of landlords operate 'under the radar,' failing to register their rentals or report income, which exposes them to potential legal risks, including substantial fines.

One landlord operating legally emphasized the importance of compliance.

She manages her bookings appropriately, including maintaining guest records and paying taxes, yet revealed that her monthly earnings are often less than what she would gain from a long-term tenant.

However, she stressed the peace of mind that comes from operating above board.

Milena, a landlord with three years of experience, initially viewed her venture as a lucrative opportunity, expressing that her first year was overwhelmingly successful.

Yet, after accounting for taxes, cleaning, repairs, and other expenses, she found her earnings were only marginally better compared to conventional monthly rentals.

Similarly, Aleksandar highlighted that much of his time is consumed by guest management and logistics, from parking instructions to immediate cleaning for incoming guests.

Unexpected damages, like broken glassware or property misuse, also fall on the landlord’s shoulders, complicating profitability.

For Maja, thorough documentation was crucial.

After navigating bureaucratic obstacles and securing proper categorization and tax compliance, she stated that managing a short-term rental is akin to running a small hotel, resulting in significant workloads.

To illustrate the financial dynamics, if a property is rented out for 15 days at an average of 30 euros per night, the gross income would reach approximately 52,875 RSD.

However, after deducting various operational costs—cleaning fees, utility bills, building maintenance, internet, and taxes—landlords often find themselves at a deficit, especially when additional unforeseen expenses arise.

Concerns around unregistered rentals are growing as local authorities increasingly monitor platforms for compliance.

Landlords engaging in non-compliance risk facing fines that range from 5,000 to 150,000 RSD, retroactive tax claims, and potential business activity restrictions.

The initial perception of easy and fast income has been debunked by many landlords, revealing that managing a legal rental property demands thorough planning, investment, and strong organizational skills.

Property owners are urged to review all costs comprehensively prior to listing their rentals, as the operational realities may lead to unexpected financial burdens.