10 Tips for Airbnb Hosting
Are you thinking of hosting on Airbnb? Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-timer, there are a few things to keep in mind. In this post, we'll give you some tips for Airbnb hosting – from preparing your space to communicating with guests and everything in between. Stay safe, savvy, and successful while hosting on Airbnb!
10 tips for Airbnb hosting
There are many different factors for why someone would want to use Airbnb instead of traditional hotels, such as the ability to stay in unique spaces, save money, and feel more at home when traveling. However, when a person stays at your property they never know exactly what to expect, as there are less quality control measures than there typically are with hotels. When you become an Airbnb host, it’s your job to set up your Airbnb so it is a great experience for your guests, with no bad surprises.
Of course you also want it to be a great (and profitable) experience for yourself! Opening your property to complete strangers and essentially starting a hospitality business can be scary, but oh so rewarding. 😍
Here are some tips to make your Airbnb experience excellent for both you and your guests.
Tip 1: Make sure your property is equipped with basic amenities.
One of the most frustrating things that can happen to an Airbnb traveler is if they arrive and the property isn't equipped with the basic amenities that they had expected. Airbnb defines essential amenities as toilet paper, soap (for hands and body), one towel per guest, one pillow per guest, and linens for each guest bed. You should plan to have at least those items, but with our Airbnbs we go way above and beyond this and provide coffee, tea, sugar, oil, spices, salt & pepper, and much more.
Tip 2: Keep your place organized and clutter free.
As mentioned above, make sure your place is stocked with things guests may need, but don’t have too much stuff there! Lots of cupboard space should be empty, and anything you do have there should be tidy, easy to find, and organized.
Tip 3: Make sure your property is VERY clean.
Now more than ever people want to know the property has been cleaned thoroughly between each visit. They don't want to see any trace of past guests. (Especially watch out for hairs and stains on linens! 🤢)
Tip 4: Create lists and processes
Make lists and documents for everything, including cleaning and restocking lists. These lists and processes take a while to build, but it is so worth it. They will make it easier for you and your cleaner to be on the same page with what needs to be done and how. They'll also make it easier if you want to set up another Airbnb in the future! We have started using Properly to create visual checklists & improve quality control and we’re loving it so far.
Tip 5: Automate as much as possible.
Invest in a good smart lock and a smart thermostat (we love the Schlage Encode lock and the Google Nest thermostat). This makes it easier for you to manage because you don’t physically have to be there to let in the guests or the cleaner, and it also allows the guest to check in at their convenience. You should try to set up every Airbnb as thought it's far away from you, even if it's close-by - then you won't be running back and forth when something needs to be done.
Tip 6: Check the laws
Research the laws and regulations in your area to make sure that you are doing everything legally. You don't want to get fined or shut down for renting out your property when it is not legal in your location.
Tip 7: Communicate clearly, kindly, and quickly with guests
Just by doing this, you’ll set yourself apart from many other hosts. You'll get more bookings and better reviews!
Tip 8: Provide local recommendations
Give the guests some tips for things to do or places to eat while staying at your property. You can put these into an Airbnb Guidebook if you like.
Tip 9: Give guests their privacy
Don't bother guests unless necessary. Be available to answer questions and you can message them to make sure everything is ok, but for the most part I say - leave them alone!
Tip 10: Be honest and set clear rules.
This will make it easier for the guest to know what to expect and what is allowed, and is more likely to lead to a pleasant stay for the guest and a better review for you!
For example, if your property has a lot of stairs that are shared with neighbours, be upfront about the fact that they'll have to climb stairs and make sure to include pictures in the listing. Also make it clear in your house rules that they should be quiet on the stairs, as they are shared with neighbours. Just make sure to not set TOO many rules and spoil the fun!
Final Thoughts
As an airbnb host, there are a few key things you need to do in order to provide the best possible experience for your guests. The 10 points we’ve covered should give you some good guidance on how to make sure that both you and your guests have a good Airbnb experience. It basically boils down to doing your research, automating & delegating, being considerate and communicating well, giving your guests more than just the essentials, and making sure everything is CLEAN! Do these things and you’re off to a great start.🤩
If you have any questions about any of these tips or want to learn more about something, please let us know! Have any of these tips helped improve your hosting game?