Airbnb has already shaken up the hotel market and the Uber of accommodation is now reportedly looking at expanding its operations into long-term rentals.
The San Francisco-based company is said to have commissioned consultancy firm McKinsey & Co. to undertake a study of the market, according to anonymous insiders.
The firm has reportedly undertaken a competitive analysis of Craiglist, which is said to dominate the rental markets of many cities through its "sublet/temporary" section.
However, Airbnb believes there is a gap in the market for an identity-verified alternative, The Sydney Morning Herald reports
McKinsey's research will reportedly be shared with the company's senior management at a meeting next month.
Airbnb spokesman Nick Papas declined to comment specifically on the development, saying that "Examining different parts of the market is standard operating procedure".
Airbnb already offers monthly and longer-term rentals in a number of cities but the feature is not promoted on the homepage and lacks the online functionality offered for booking short-term stays.
The company could also examine other options such as allowing long-term renters to pay recurring bills such as those for water, gas and internet.
The move appears to jar with Airbnb's ambition to develop into a full-service travel company.
In November Airbnb launched tours and other travel experiences and CEO Brian Chesky said the company planned to expand these offerings.