Being a good Airbnb host involves providing a positive and memorable experience for your guests. Here are some tips to help you become a successful Airbnb host:
Create an Attractive Listing:
Take high-quality photos of your space:
We suggest to hire a photographer- typically the CoHost has referrals & Host foots the bill
Write a detailed and accurate description of your property:
This is a combine effort between the Host and Cohost. Typically a CoHost will have a template and the Host can go in to highlight the description pieces they will are important to the guest experience.
Highlight unique features and amenities.
This is for the property and the area. This includes property features that are installed, like Jacuzzi Hot Tub/ Pool or Fire Pit... Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash, Coffee/ Sugar/ Creams ect. Some amenities that can easily be put in without a huge installation expense are accessories for the coffee station, towel warmer for bathroom, shower salts/bubbles for jacuzzi baths, Arcade games...
2. Set Competitive Pricing:
Research similar listings in your area to determine appropriate pricing.
Most CoHosts have access to AirDNA and will be able to see what other people in the area have successfully recieved for compensation. This includes Nightly Rates, Cleaning Fees and Occupancy Rates in order to figure out seasonality, discount strategies and general expectations in the area's market.
Consider offering competitive rates, especially when starting.
Starting out on the lower side of a pricing model is typical but a Pro-Tip is to only allow bookings "6 months out" or less. This prevents too many bookings at your lower rates, especially if you are going into a heavy tourist season. Raise the rates a little after receiving Superhost Status. After a Year of POSITIVE Reviews, you are typically able to do another little raise of the nightly rate.
Clear Communication:
Respond to guest inquiries and messages promptly.
There should always be a designated person to respond to guests... even if the person isn't responding with the answers. Just to let the guest know that someone is on the other end of the platform communication and they will be taken care of.
Be clear about your house rules and expectations.
In the platform, there are places for the House Rules to be written out. There are also tactful ways to mention expectations without making the guest feel like they will "get in trouble" or be billed for something that they do unknowingly.
Provide check-in instructions well in advance.
Check In and Check Out messages can be written and delivered to the guest through the platform and in accordance to industry standard, within 24 hours.
Clean and Well-Maintained Space:
Ensure your property is spotless and well-maintained.
If there is a CoHost, this is the cohosts responsibility. Usually the entire reason to hire a cohost is to make sure there is someone local to take care of things for the homeowner/ host. Housekeepers are typically the back-up to this.
Regularly inspect and address any issues promptly.
Again, this is typically the cohost's responsibility... and the back-up is the housekeepers. Maintenance will be scheduled for minor fixes and third party vendors can be called in for major issues. It is typical for a cohost to have resources for these potential issues.
Amenities and Comfort:
Provide essential amenities like clean towels, linens, toiletries, and a fully equipped kitchen.
Typically, the host provides the linens and the cohost orchestrates the cleanings. The housekeepers will usually bring clean laundry and take the dirty laundry with them. The other amenities should have inventory reports quarterly for "one-time buys" and quick snapshots of paper products, consumables, toiletries and others that the client would want the guest to have provided.
Consider offering additional amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, and laundry facilities.
Popular amenities are Jacuzzi Hot Tubs and Indoor Saunas but easy ones to buy are Arcade Games, Hot Towel Buckets and Sprucing up the Coffee Station
Safety First:
Install smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and carbon monoxide detectors.
These things should be checked by the host and the cohost at different times... monthly or quarterly minimum.
Ensure good lighting and secure locks on doors and windows.
These things should be implemented when setting up the rental and then checked on to make sure it's still in working order quarterly (minimally).
Personal Touch:
Add personal touches such as a welcome note, local recommendations, or a small welcome gift.
Easy "touches" are a handwritten note, snacks and bottled water, informational welcome book. Coffee Area should have a variety of coffee ground choices, creamers and sugars/sugar alternatives
Be friendly and welcoming when guests arrive.
Most people like to check in without the host but offering a VIP Check-In is sometimes requested. If you interact with the guest while on property for any reason, being hospitable and friendly is the only attitude a host or cohost should have.
Privacy and Boundaries:
Respect your guests' privacy and personal space.
This goes along with the whole, VIP Check-In vs Meeting with your guest before every check-in... Guests like to know you're available but not in their area.
Clearly communicate any boundaries or restrictions.
If their are cameras on site, they need to be disclosed. The locations and if they can pick up audio with the video. It should be clearly stated if the home is shared and it should be stated with whom.
Flexibility and Accessibility:
Be flexible with check-in and check-out times when possible.
Whether or not to charge the guest a fee or no fee ends up being host preference. Most guests that ask for a late check-out or early check-in and accommodated are without a fee will be more apt to write a positive review.
Be available or have a reliable contact person for emergencies.
This is the responsibility of the cohost. It is imperative to be readily accessible as the cohost because being available for the guest is the main priority of the job.
Reviews and Feedback:
Encourage guests to leave reviews after their stay.
Writing it in the welcome book, the check-out message and then even going as far as messaging them after you leave their review "I just finished writing you a positive review and I truly hope I earned the same"
Address any negative feedback constructively and make improvements.
This is a collaboration between the host and the cohost since the guest's feedback is typically capital improvements, amenity improvements and/or production of work.
Legal and Tax Considerations:
Familiarize yourself with local regulations and tax requirements for short-term rentals.
Hosts and Cohosts have their own taxes to file. There are taxes for property ownership, income...
Ensure you have the necessary permits or licenses if required.
In order to operate a Vacation Rental you need to have the basic's of the industry...
Hospitality and Guest Experience:
Be hospitable and approachable.
Offer suggestions for local attractions, restaurants, and activities.
Be attentive to your guests' needs and concerns.
Cleaning and Maintenance:
Develop a thorough cleaning routine between guests.
Regularly inspect and maintain the property to keep it in good condition.
Emergency Preparedness:
Have a plan in case of emergencies, such as power outages or plumbing issues.
Provide emergency contact information to guests.
Professionalism:
Treat hosting as a business and maintain professionalism in all interactions.
Keep records for tax purposes and financial tracking.
Continuous Improvement:
Stay updated with Airbnb's policies and recommendations.
Seek feedback from guests and use it to make improvements.
Remember that being a good Airbnb host takes time and effort. Building a positive reputation and receiving good reviews will help attract more guests and lead to a successful hosting experience.
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