Top Things to consider before turning your home into an Airbnb
A poorly prepared rental is one of the top causes of bad ratings and lousy reviews for Airbnb hosts.
Some basic preparation can make the difference between a highly rated Airbnb that makes money and a low-rated failure. You can lay the groundwork for that preparation and Airbnb success with a careful examination of your home.
Some Things to Consider before turning a home into an Airbnb include
- Location. Look to see if your home is near any place people might visit such as the beach. Proximity to the airport, mass transit, and freeways can make a home more desirable on Airbnb. Desirable locations include downtown, and units within walking distance of tourist attractions; such as the Gaslight District.
- Cleanliness. Most Airbnb guests expect a place to be as clean as a good hotel room. You can offer that level of cleanliness with professional cleaning services like Maid Just Right.
- Amenities. Airbnb guests expect basic amenities such as high-speed internet, Wi-Fi, cable TV, and a landline telephone. Many guests will not stay in a place without those amenities.
- Cooking facilities. Many people prefer Airbnb because it enables them to cook for themselves away from home. Therefore, many Airbnb guests expect a fully equipped kitchen with all the modern appliances.
- Laundry. Travelers love having access to a private washing machine and dryer. A lot of guests will not stay in an Airbnb without a washer and dryer.
- Maintenance. Are you prepared to fix things such as a leaky faucet? If not, do you the money to hire a professional? If the answer to both these questions is no, Airbnb may not be for you.
- How much time can you devote to Airbnb? A successful host must spend two hours a day on cleaning and maintenance, or hire somebody that can. There are services like Maid Just Right that will handle those chores.
- How much extra cash do you have? Do you have several hundred dollars in cash to pay a plumber’s bill; or replace a broken washing machine, to keep an Airbnb unit livable? If the answer is no, reconsider joining Airbnb.
- Is Airbnb legal where you live? Many municipalities including San Diego are banning or restricting Airbnb. The last thing you need is a legal battle with the city or the county.
- Is Airbnb allowed in your building or neighborhood? Landlords, zoning, covenants, and homeowners’ associations often impose restrictions that prevent Airbnb. Read your lease, or deed, and check with your landlord, manager, or homeowners’ association before doing Airbnb.
Airbnb is a great way to make extra money, but it can be a lot of work. The best way to determine if Airbnb is for you is to do your homework.
