Short-term rentals in Iceland, also known as "guest apartments" refer to furnished apartments, houses, or rooms available for rent for periods typically under 30 days. It is known locally as "gestaíbúðir" (guest apartments) or "stuttar leigur" (short rentals), these accommodations offer tourists and visitors a more personal and immersive experience compared to traditional hotel stays.

In Iceland, if you're thinking about renting out your place for short stays, there are some steps you need to follow to make sure everything is legal and safe. Here's what you need to know, made simple:

1. **Tell the District Commissioner:** Before you start renting out your property, you need to let the District Commissioner know. They'll give you a registration number. This step checks that your place meets safety and health rules, like being safe in case of a fire and clean.

2. **No National Permit Needed:** You don't need a special permit just to rent out your place, but there are rules to follow. For example, if you're just renting out your own home (called home hosting) for up to 90 days a year, you still need to register each year.

3. **Beyond Casual Hosting:** If you plan to rent out your place for more than 90 days a year or have more than five rooms available, it's a bit different. You'll need an operating license from the District Commissioner because it's more like running a small hotel or guesthouse.

4. **Check Your Agreements:** Make sure you're allowed to rent out your place. This means checking the rules of your community, your mortgage, or any housing support you receive to ensure renting out your place isn't breaking any rules.

5. **Stay Informed:** For all the details on how to apply for registration or a license and what exactly you need, talk to your local District Commissioner or check their website. They'll have all the current information on what you need to do.