In Romania, short-term rentals are commonly referred to as "închiriere pe termen scurt" or "cazare turistică," which translates to "short-term lease" and "tourist accommodation" respectively. On major booking platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Vrbo, STRs are listed under familiar English terms such as "vacation rentals," "holiday homes," and "tourist accommodation." In Romania, STRs are defined as residential properties rented out for a duration that typically ranges from a few days to a few weeks, although regulations on the exact duration vary. STRs include apartments, houses, and other residential spaces used exclusively for tourism. Such rentals are differentiated from hotels and other commercial lodgings by their flexible lease terms and generally lower costs.

National law does not explicitly prohibit subletting, but it does regulate the terms and conditions under which it can be done. Typically, a tenant can sublet their rented property only if they have explicit permission from their landlord, usually outlined in the lease agreement. Without these permissions, subletting for short-term rental purposes could lead to eviction or legal action. In buildings consisting of multiple apartments, any change in the intended use of the dwellings must be approved by the neighbouring owners who are directly affected by the change.

There isn't a nationwide maximum length of stay for short-term rentals in Romania. Hosts typically set the lease duration for renting out their apartments to guests. However, some cases may require a more stringent timeframe, like for short-stay visas. A Romania short-stay visitor visa, also referred to as a Schengen visa, allows non-EU/EEA/Swiss nationals to enter Romania for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. This visa is typically used for purposes such as tourism, business, or other approved activities.

Romania regulates short-term rentals, especially those for tourism. Key rules include: 1) Registering tourist accommodations with local/national authorities; 2) Potentially needing a business license for frequent rentals or extra services; 3) Declaring rental income and paying taxes (income tax and potentially VAT); 4) Possible tourism classification (star ratings); 5) Meeting health and safety standards; 6) Reporting guest information; 7) Complying with zoning laws; 8) Adhering to consumer protection laws (accurate listings); and 9) Platform compliance (e.g., ensuring host registration). Regulations vary, so consulting local authorities or legal experts is recommended to avoid penalties.

In Romania, short-term rental operators must register with the Ministry of Economy, Entrepreneurship and Tourism and the Trade Registry. This involves submitting documents including an application form, proof of registered office address, representative information (including identity documents and fiscal records), and, if applicable, owner's association approval and other required authorizations. These documents ensure legal compliance.

Romania has national associations supporting property owners, including short-term rental operators: AGPI (Association for Rental Properties in Romania) focuses on networking, legislative advocacy, and improving rental business efficiency. RABO (Romanian Association of Building Owners) unites property investors to promote a sound legislative framework for real estate investment. Both are based in Bucharest.