NAICS Code for Airbnb & Short-Term Rentals (How to Choose)
There is no single “Airbnb NAICS code” that fits every host. The correct NAICS usually depends on whether you are: (1) providing short-term lodging to travelers, (2) renting/owning residential property, or (3) managing short-term rentals for other owners.
This is a “how to choose” guide. For official definitions and included/excluded boundaries, use the linked NAICS detail pages below.
How to choose the correct NAICS code for Airbnb / short-term rentals
Quick rule: classify the establishment by its primary economic activity: lodging operations, property leasing/ownership, or property management services.
- You operate short-term stays for travelers (lodging activity): commonly starts with NAICS 721199 – All Other Traveler Accommodation.
- You primarily own/rent residential property (lessor activity): often starts with NAICS 531110 – Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings.
- You manage short-term rentals for other owners (management fee model): often starts with NAICS 531311 – Residential Property Managers.
⚠️ Common mistake: selecting a code based on the platform (“Airbnb”) instead of the business model.
Platforms are distribution channels. NAICS is about the primary activity at the establishment: lodging operation, leasing/owning, or management services.
Airbnb host vs property manager (why it matters)
Two businesses can list on Airbnb and still classify differently. The difference is often whether you are the operator/host of a lodging activity, or a management company earning fees for running another owner’s property.
| Model | Often mapped to | Typical indicators |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term lodging operator (hosts stays) | 721199 (often) | Nightly stays, guest turnover, cleaning/turnover operations, traveler accommodation focus |
| Residential property lessor (owns/leases units) | 531110 (often) | Income primarily from renting residential units; can include mixed short/long stays depending on structure |
| Property management company (manages for owners) | 531311 (often) | Management fees, owner statements, “we manage Airbnb properties,” handling bookings/cleaning for others |
Best practice: document the revenue model (nights booked vs rent vs management fees) and classify the establishment by the primary activity.
Short-term lodging (most common “Airbnb host” path)
If you provide short-term stays to travelers
If your operation looks and functions like lodging (guest stays, turnover, hospitality operations), start here.
If your property is a B&B style operation
Some “hosted stays” may resemble a bed-and-breakfast model. Use the directory and detail pages to confirm the best fit based on services offered and structure.
Owner/lessor scenario (renting your own residential property)
If your primary activity is owning or leasing residential property (and short-term rental is part of your rental strategy), you may be closer to a residential lessor category.
- Owner/lessor of residential units: often starts with 531110.
- Key question: are you operating lodging (traveler accommodation) or primarily leasing residential units? Document the primary activity.
Management companies (managing short-term rentals for other owners)
If you run Airbnb listings for other owners (pricing, guest messaging, cleaning coordination, vendor management) and earn a management fee, your business model often aligns with property management services.
- Residential property management services: often starts with 531311.
- Not the same as cleaning: if your company only performs turnover/cleaning (no booking/guest operations), classify as a cleaning service instead.
- Not the same as real estate brokerage: booking short-term stays is not the same as brokering real estate sales.
Multiple properties, separate offices, and establishment-level classification
NAICS is establishment-based. A management office, a separate cleaning/turnover operation, and individual properties can be classified differently depending on what happens at each location.
| Location type | Often classified as | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Rental property (guest stays) | Commonly lodging-related (e.g., 721199) | Travelers stay on-site; lodging operations drive the activity |
| Property management office | Often 531311 | Central office manages multiple units for owners; fee-based management |
| Leasing/ownership entity | Often 531110 | Primary activity is owning/leasing residential property |
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Picking a code because you use Airbnb/VRBO: classify the activity (lodging vs lessor vs management).
- Using a cleaning code for a full management company: management includes pricing, guest comms, booking operations, vendor control.
- Using a property management code for a single-owner host: if you don’t manage for others, management may not be your primary activity.
- Ignoring establishment-level rules: offices and properties can classify differently based on what happens at each establishment.
Applied uses of Airbnb / short-term rental NAICS codes
- Business formation and EIN applications
- Banking, merchant services, and underwriting
- Insurance classification and policy placement
- Vendor onboarding for corporate housing and travel programs
- Market research, competitor mapping, and outreach lists by NAICS
Short-term rental industry data and business lists
Need a short-term rental or property management list by NAICS code?
SICCODE.com provides business lists aligned to lodging, residential lessor, and property management categories. Lists can be filtered by NAICS, geography (state, county, ZIP), company size, and other firmographic fields, with delivery options including CSV, Excel, and structured formats for integration workflows.
FAQ
- What is the NAICS code for Airbnb hosting?
Many short-term lodging operators commonly start with NAICS 721199. If you primarily own/lease residential property, review 531110. If you manage Airbnb properties for owners, review 531311. - What NAICS code should a short-term rental property management company use?
Fee-based managers running short-term rentals for owners often start with NAICS 531311 – Residential Property Managers. - If I only rent my own house on Airbnb, am I a property manager?
Usually no. If you do not manage properties for other owners, you may be closer to a lodging operator (often 721199) or a residential lessor (often 531110) depending on your primary activity. - Do I use one NAICS code for multiple rental properties?
Not always. NAICS is assigned at the establishment/location level. Separate management offices and properties can be classified differently depending on the primary activity at each establishment. - Where can I confirm the official definitions?
Use the code detail pages for 721199, 531110, and 531311 to review official definitions and boundaries.
Next steps
Start by choosing your business model: lodging operator, residential lessor, or property manager. Then open the matching NAICS detail page to confirm the official definition and boundaries: 721199 (short-term lodging), 531110 (residential lessors), 531311 (residential property management).
Related resources
- NAICS Code Lookup Directory
- What Is a NAICS Code?
- NAICS Included vs. Excluded Activities
- SIC Codes vs NAICS Codes
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