Insider tips from Airbnb Superhosts on how to launch the perfect rental
More than 2 million people check into an Airbnb every night, so chances are you've been an Airbnb guest. Home rentals have become many families' first choice for travel accommodation. However, you may have considered becoming an Airbnb host as well. What are the questions you should ask before getting into the short-term rental game?
I have been an Airbnb host in the U.K. since 2010 and in the U.S. since 2015. Currently, I'm a 12-time Superhost (by meeting a set of criteria set by Airbnb, such as a 4.8-star average) and am often asked questions about how to start an Airbnb. Danny Rusteen, former Airbnb employee, owner of OptimizeMyBnb.com and Airbnb Superhost spoke to TPG to add his top tips for new hosts. Here are a few things to consider before you welcome your first guest.
Set goals and what you want to get out of it
Are you looking to rent a spare room, your entire apartment or home while traveling, or turn an investment property into an Airbnb or short-term rental?
Airbnb now has Airbnb Plus (vetted listings with a 100-point inspection process), Airbnb Luxe (high-end listings averaging $2,000/night) and differentiators such as its Superhost program. Airbnb famously started as renting airbeds and continues to have shared and hosted accommodation.
It's essential to clearly define what you hope to achieve from being an Airbnb host because it is a business that varies widely. Being an Airbnb host who rents out an extra room five times a year looks different than a fulltime host who earns $50k a year from an investment property in a hot area and maintains an Airbnb Plus listing. You have to consider the tax consequences as well.
What is your risk tolerance?
Danny says that it's not uncommon to earn 500% more by renting your home on Airbnb than renting it the traditional way. However, with reward comes risk.
How do you feel about having strangers in your home or investment property? Even with additional safety procedures in place, it is not fool-proof. Recently a house party held at an Airbnb in Orinda, California, turned deadly, which prompted Airbnb to ban party houses.
Related: The best travel rewards credit cards for Airbnb
Does your building allow Airbnb?
Many co-op or condo buildings have banned short-term rentals. Before you draft a listing, make sure your building or neighborhood association allows short-term rentals. You will also need to increase your fire safety and do other things to make your Airbnb is safe for guests.
Check local laws
You also need to check that your unit is allowed under any local and state laws. In my hometown of Portland, Maine, a limited number of permits for Airbnbs are issued per year. Cities such as Jersey City, New Jersey, and New York City have passed restrictions on short-term rentals. Airbnb worked with regulators in Hawaii to hand over hosts' information to the Department of Taxation.
Related: Tips for families Using Airbnb
Stay in a few Airbnbs by Superhosts
Some of the best tips I've picked up as a host have come from staying with other Superhosts. I changed my entire messaging protocol after staying with amazing hosts in Florence, Italy. Danny lives in Airbnbs (almost 1,000 nights so far) and critiques them on his site to point out how hosts can improve their listings.
Related: 12 tips to score the perfect Airbnb
Ask yourself whether you want to be in customer service (and, are you good at it?)
Danny says the most successful hosts are the best at customer service and troubleshooting guest complaints no matter how bizarre or tiring.
"When the guest asks for a few rolls of paper towels (like mine did yesterday), how would you handle that?" Danny told TPG. "If you'd ridicule them for such a stupid request, then you'd not make a good Airbnb host because you have to deal with guests."
I've had guests ask everything from a nightlight in the bathroom to an air conditioner installed in Maine when it was 45 degrees.
Work out your expenses
It's easy to hear tales of how much an Airbnb host can earn, but you need to be realistic about the costs that go into it. Furnishing your rental or room, all bills and internet, higher wear and tear, taxes and extras -- like cleaning supplies and toiletries -- all add up. Don't forget about Airbnb's cut and possible state lodging tax. If you wish to be more hands-off, you will need to factor in expenses such as cleaning help and a property management company.
Take time to craft your ad and use professional photography
Listing photos are the No. 1 thing potential guests look at when deciding to book a rental. My bookings went up 100% when I switched from my iPhone photos to having a professional real estate photographer take them. They know all the tricks, such as showing the ceiling and floor, lighting the shot and using wide-angle lens. Airbnb recommends photographers directly on the site, or you can ask local real estate agents.
Another tip is to add a referral link to Airbnb on your ad. You can passively amass a pot of referral bonuses.
Bottom line
There's a lot to consider before becoming an Airbnb host since you are starting a small business. Hopefully, these questions can help you find whether you would like to become part of it as a host.
For details on how to become an Airbnb host, click here.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.