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With many Aussies feeling the strain on the purse strings after Christmas, many are thinking about Airbnb to generate extra income. But some are getting more than they bargained for, and it’s not just extra cash in their back pockets.
Performance-based short-term rental specialist MadeComfy says that hosts should fully understand the intricacies involved in listing a property online, before doing so.
Co-founder Quirin Schwaighofer has compiled five golden rules when listing a property on a short-term rental site.
1. Screen your guests properly
Understand the purpose of the visit and make-up of the group. Don’t approve any large groups unsuited to your home, check out previous guest reviews and ensure photo ID for verification. Make sure your guests show courtesy and respect to the property’s permanent neighbours at all times.
2. Make sure your short-term rental insurance is in place
Understand what makes a valid claim and what doesn’t. Anything of value should be locked away.
3. Make sure your property photography, description and pricing are accurate and appropriate
While guests expect you to highlight the best points of your property, don’t tell porkies. Nothing guarantees complaints (and bad reviews) faster than over-priced accommodation which looks nothing like the listing. Understand the supply and demand of Airbnb listings in your area for the time you are renting out to set a right price that maximises your returns and occupancy.
4. Pay attention to detail
It’s the little things that guests are most likely to remember, and recommend, about your property. Coffee machine? Make sure the pods are well stocked. TV and air-conditioning? Make sure the remote control batteries work. Unwanted creepy crawlies? Undertake regular, professional pest control. Great guest experience means great reviews for your Airbnb listing, and that brings more future bookings and enables you to charge premium.
5. Running an Airbnb property takes time and commitment, so make sure you can give both
Airbnb is not set and forget. Unless you can commit your 24/7 time and headspace to running the property, think twice.
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