People renting out their landlord's properties on Airbnb could stand to lose every cent they make.

A Wellington landlord's been awarded more than 12-thousand dollars after his tenant rented his apartment out at least 54 times.

Keith Powell, from Nice Place Property Management, took the case to the Tenancy Tribunal on behalf of the landlord.

He says the ruling sends a clear message to people looking to make a quick buck.

"It's important from a landlords perspective to know who's actually living in the property at all times.

"The insurance company wants to know who's living in it, that's why we don't really like sub-letting."

LISTEN ABOVE AS KEITH POWELL SPEAKS WITH LARRY WILLIAMS