Airbnb is a lucrative option for many entrepreneurs looking to enter the hospitality arena. Airbnb hosting can be done across different properties, and you can provide travelers with a new and exciting experience while traveling. If you’re unsure how to be an Airbnb host, this article will go through the fundamentals of Airbnb hosting so you can start welcoming potential guests.
What are Airbnb Hosts?
Airbnb hosts are essentially the people who provide apartments for short-term rentals and medium-term rentals. This could be renting out the entire apartment or a spare room for guests visiting. As a host, the responsibility is to provide a place for guests to stay, help them enter the flat, facilitate check-in, get them settled, and help them make the most of their stay.
The Benefits of Airbnb Hosting
There are many benefits to becoming an Airbnb host, which is why so many hosts have started offering listings on the platform. Some of the benefits of becoming an Airbnb host include the following:
- Revenue stream: The main reason for becoming an Airbnb host is that it can be a solid stream of income for many throughout the year
- Meet new people: If you’re putting up a spare room or portion of your apartment on Airbnb, you’ll get the opportunity to meet lots of new people and share experiences.
- Demand: Many cities don’t have the infrastructure or capacity for travelers, which can often pose issues for those looking for a reasonable place to stay – but your Airbnb could help meet that demand!
- Flexibility: Hosting on Airbnb provides you with the flexibility to manage your space. You can list your room or property whenever it suits you and remove it from availability when it’s not. This makes it simple to tailor your Airbnb business to your needs.
- Income diversification: Having a stream of income you can control, such as hosting on Airbnb, is a way for you to diversify your income streams.
How to Become an Airbnb Host
If you’re ready to start your Airbnb business and welcome your first guest, here’s how to get started and get bookings in!
Get Any Permissions Needed
Before starting your Airbnb business, it’s important to do research first. That means checking if you can use your property in this fashion, as there may be local laws surrounding Airbnb hosting. Additionally, you should check with your homeowners’ association and other local bodies to ensure you can host travelers through Airbnb before renting your property or spare room.
Hire a Professional Cleaning Service
Having your property professionally cleaned is the initial step in making your home a welcoming environment for travelers. This involves a thorough, deep clean to prepare the space for hosting. By utilizing a cleaning service, you can save time and avoid the expense of purchasing cleaning supplies. Additionally, ensure that you have amenities such as clean sheets, towels, and toilet paper readily available for your guests! You may also charge a cleaning fee to help offset the cost.
Research and Set Your Airbnb Price
Depending on your area and demand, how you price your Airbnb will be key, depending on your location and demand. Most hosts do a lot of research on Airbnb prior to listing to ensure they have a competitive rate in place. You’ll need to factor in elements like whether it’s a single room or the whole house, as that will help you compare pricing. Also, look at how close you are to major attractions and monuments (e.g., within walking distance, accessible public transport options) as that influences pricing, too.
List Your Airbnb Space
Once you know what your pricing needs to look like, you can create your Airbnb account to get your listing up. Creating an Airbnb listing is relatively simple once you have your account. You’ll need to upload photos and enter information about the room in the listing. Think about what future guests should know about your property, including:
- Whether it’s the entire home or an extra room
- How close it is to attractions and transport options
- Check-in time and check-out time
- Any part of the property that is off-limits, such as the kitchen or other areas of the house
- Any interesting details or facts about the home (e.g., historical building, modern development)
List Your Airbnb Space
If you can have a cohost in your listing, that will help with managing your Airbnb business. A cohost can look after your listings, respond to inquiries, and determine prices. The usual structure is to offer cohosts a percentage of the rental income, but you can discuss that as needed. There is an option to find a co-host through the Airbnb platform in your area, or you can enlist a trusted friend or family member.
Host Airbnb Experiences
To build credibility on the platform and get some positive reviews, you can begin by hosting Airbnb experiences. These are one-day events held at a specific time and date and tend to follow a theme. For example, you could craft an experience showing off your city, a cultural activity, a food tour, or a cooking class.
Respond to Inquiries and Bookings Promptly
If you want guests to feel comfortable and confident booking with you, responding quickly is key. Try to respond to questions about the listing and reservation requests within 24 hours to ensure your response rate stays up and you’re getting bookings in, as it’s essential for building great reviews.
What You Need to Know Before Starting Airbnb Hosting
Before you begin hosting, there are a few things you should bear in mind for Airbnb rentals
Host Fees
3% of the booking subtotal is charged as a host fee, so that should be factored into your overall listing process
Host Support From the Airbnb Website
In case of property damage, unacceptable guest behavior, and other issues, Airbnb’s host guarantee does protect you in certain circumstances. Before listing, go through the guarantee to understand what’s covered and what isn’t. There are even options to collect a refundable security deposit from guests during booking as part of the host support.
Cancellation Policy
Hosts set their own cancellation policy, including when travelers are entitled to a full or partial refund. When setting your cancellation rules, check what other hosts offer.
Host Requirements
To remain an Airbnb host, you need to meet specific requirements, such as maintaining response rates, accepting trip requests, and clearly setting expectations for the stay from the beginning. If you can meet these criteria, Airbnb simplifies the process for you to continue using the platform.
Property Insurance
To address potential liabilities or issues, having a solid property insurance policy is extremely advantageous, particularly if you intend to host long-term guests.
Airbnb Host Tips
With so many travelers using the platform, there is real potential to drive more bookings on Airbnb and earn money. Here are some tips to make your listings stand out from the rest:
- Hire a professional photographer to take great photos of the space and showcase how great it is
- Maintain flexibility with guest check-ins, check-out times, and other arrangements to ensure a seamless experience for travelers arriving.
- Before travelers arrive, check in with them to confirm their travel plans. Airbnb provides tools that enable you to maintain communication and take a proactive approach.
- Give them information and helpful tips about the area to make them feel comfortable.
How Much Does an Airbnb Host Make?
Airbnb hosts can use the platform as a side income. Airbnb income can range from a few hundred dollars a month to several thousand. However, this will depend on other factors, such as listing price, volume, and frequency of guests renting your space.
Do You Need a Business License to Host an Airbnb?
Depending on the type of business you establish and the regulations in your area, a license may be required. Whether you need one will depend on whether you are renting out a spare room in your property or the entire house as a short-term vacation rental. It’s advisable to review local municipal rules before creating your Airbnb listing, especially if you’re learning how to be an Airbnb host.
Image: Depositphotos
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