In Azerbaijan, short-term rentals are commonly referred to as "qısa müddətli kirayə" (short-term rental) in the Azerbaijani language. The term is widely used to describe furnished accommodations rented out for brief periods. On booking platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com, these accommodations are listed under categories such as "vacation rental," "holiday rental," or "tourist accommodation." Short-term rentals in Azerbaijan encompass a variety of properties, including apartments, houses, and guest rooms, offering travelers flexible lodging options beyond traditional hotels. The Azerbaijani government recognizes short-term rentals as a segment of the hospitality industry, subject to specific regulations and taxation policies. Generally, a short-term rental is defined as the leasing of residential property for a period less than 90 days, although this can vary depending on local ordinances.

In Azerbaijan, subletting is generally permitted but is subject to the terms of the original lease agreement and requires the landlord's consent. Tenants wishing to operate a short-term rental in a property they are renting must first obtain explicit permission from their landlord. Failing to secure this permission can result in legal disputes or eviction.

There is no nationwide maximum length of stay for short-term rentals in Azerbaijan. Guests and hosts can agree upon any duration for the stay. However:

• Long-Term Tenancy Laws: If the stay extends beyond a certain period (commonly one month), the arrangement may be subject to long-term tenancy laws, granting the guest additional rights.
• Host Considerations: Hosts should be cautious with longer stays to avoid inadvertently creating a long-term tenancy, which may complicate eviction processes and legal obligations.

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Hosts offering short-term rentals in Azerbaijan are required to register their property with the State Tax Service to ensure proper taxation of rental income. The registration process involves:

- **Business Registration or Obtaining a Tax ID as an Individual Entrepreneur:**This is the first legal requirement for starting a tourism-related business, such as a hotel, hostel, car rental, tour operator, or travel agency.- The process involves collecting necessary documents, completing application forms, paying fees, and submitting the application.- To obtain a Tax ID as an Individual Entrepreneur, you can apply online or offline, but a temporary or permanent residence permit is mandatory.- **Opening Bank Accounts and Acquiring a Digital Signature (ASAN IMZA):**Once registered, opening business bank accounts usually takes 2-3 working days.- Obtaining a Digital Signature (ASAN IMZA) takes an additional day and enables online business operations.- **Leasing Commercial Space:**Depending on your business type, you may need to lease commercial property (e.g., for hotels or hostels). If you already own the space or don’t need a physical location, this step may not apply.- **Obtaining a POS Terminal:**A POS terminal is legally required for most tourism businesses, including hotels and hostels, to facilitate transactions.- **Starting Business Operations:**After completing these steps, your tourism business is ready to operate in Azerbaijan.

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As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, there is no specific national association dedicated solely to short-term rental owners and operators in Azerbaijan.

However, hosts can seek support and resources from broader industry organizations such as:

• Azerbaijan Tourism Association (AzTA): An organization that represents the interests of various stakeholders in the tourism industry, including accommodation providers.
• Azerbaijan Hotel Association: While primarily focused on hotels, they may provide resources relevant to hospitality services.

Membership in these organizations may offer benefits such as networking opportunities, industry updates, and advocacy on regulatory matters.

Hosts may also find online communities or forums where they can share experiences and advice with other short-term rental operators in Azerbaijan.