//What To Know Before Becoming an Airbnb Host
What To Know Before Becoming an Airbnb Host

What To Know Before Becoming an Airbnb Host

Whether you have a second home or a spare bedroom, you could swing a sweet secondary income via Airbnb. If you’re serious about doing this, there are some details to consider prior to offering your home to travelers. Explore our guide on what to know before becoming an Airbnb host so that you can optimize your and your guests’ experiences.

It’s a Time Commitment

In an ideal world, acquiring a consistent second income from an Airbnb would take no more effort than slapping a listing online. However, that’s not the case. Quality hosts will find that better ratings require a bit more time investment.

You should have the time and energy to communicate with all guests–past, present, future–and answer their questions to the best of your ability. Though Airbnb provides customer service support for certain scenarios, your guests will be navigating their check-in and check-out experiences through you primarily.

How To Keep Up With Guest Expectations

As you’ll come to find out as a host, some guests are pickier than others. You can increase your odds of receiving a good host rating by going above and beyond for your guests. And don’t worry–going above and beyond can look different depending on your circumstances.

One of the easiest ways to appease visitor standards is to provide all the BnB essentials for guests. In addition to an accommodating host, most guests appreciate cleanness and particularly enjoy a little guidance. A brief breakdown of home details, such as where to find supplies, and some local information, such as tasty restaurant locations and emergency numbers, are pleasant conveniences for those staying at your abode.

Be Aware Of the Risks and Liabilities Involved

When you lend your space to others, you run the risk of guests altering or even damaging it. You may also fall victim to theft. All these unfortunate possibilities are what make your Airbnb liability insurance options so important to know before you become an Airbnb host.

On top of quality insurance, you should invest in reliable safeguarding features. Compile your sensitive information and valuables into a safe for the duration of your visitors’ stays and inform your neighbors of your future houseguests.

Just as prospective guests scope your profile, you can vet theirs. Hosts who have previously housed a guest will leave star ratings and sometimes reviews following their stay. Use your discretion to discern whether you think an individual will make a suitable guest in your home.