Permits
Some areas require short term lodging permits, and some areas do not.
If your area requires it, I highly recommend that you get registered with the city and get a permit.
Setting up a short term rental can be very lucrative, but all that work can be thrown away if you do not have a permit.
How do I get a permit?
Usually you need to contact the city planning commission, and you will need to get a business license and pay taxes.
The city planning commission will have all the forms you need to fill out, pay your fees and get your permit.
Setting up a rental without a permit, can cost you fines from the city.
Subletting as an airbnb, if you do not own the property, you need to get permission form the owner. You can violate the terms of your lease and get yourself evicted from your property or apartment.
The following link below shows which cities require permits, if your city is not in the list, then you have to call.