When
you have a second home that is in a popular tourist area, the lure of
listing it as an Airbnb can be strong. If you've decided this will be
the right fit for you and your earnings goals for the home, take the
time to plan every aspect of treating this endeavor as its own
business. You'll also need to plan for its maintenance and upkeep by
following these essential tips.
Set
Rules for Your Airbnb Rental
As
the Airbnb rental website suggests, you have the power to set the
rules for your property rental. If you don't want your guests doing
things like consuming alcohol on your property, that’s okay to
state that in the listing. Each Airbnb listing also has a section
where you can list your house rules. You'll also want to print a copy
for guests to read in the home itself.
Some
house rule considerations that can help with the care and keeping of
the home include:
- State
whether smoking is allowed in any areas of the home.
- Be
specific about any areas of the home that are off-limits.
- Let
guests know if eating isn't allowed in any areas.
- Tell
guests where to put dirty towels and linens.
- Be
clear about whether pets are welcome. If so, state which kinds of
pets are okay.
- Restrict
the number of guests allowed in the home.
If
any penalties exist for breaking the rules, be clear about that
upfront. Strict house rules may mean that you miss out on doing
business with some guests. On the other hand, setting rules can help
attract the type of guests you want in your home.
Ask
for a Security Deposit
Another
way to ensure that guests don't damage your stuff is to ask for a
security deposit in addition to the amount you charge for the stay.
This can be a turn-off for some guests who may not have the extra
cash, but this is one way to strongly encourage guests to treat your
place well. Nobody wants to pay for damages.
Enlist
the Help of an Airbnb Co-Host
Airbnb
co-hosts are becoming more popular. The presence of a co-host can
inspire guests to treat your property with greater care. That can
ultimately make a huge difference in the upkeep of your property.
Whether this decision is right for you will depend on several factors
such as whether you find someone who's a fit for the co-host position
and what your budget is.
A
co-host is typically somebody you already know like a family member,
close friend, or neighbor or someone you can hire like a realtor or
property manager. Work with the co-host to determine what the
responsibilities of each person will be and how the co-host will
receive compensation and reimbursement for any out-of-pocket
expenses. The co-host will interact with your guests and provide that
extra level of personable service.
Always
Check the Trash
Some
guests may not follow rules that are in place like taking out the
trash or putting the trash in the right place in the home. They may
toss stuff in every trash can in the house. Always check the trash
cans and the areas around trash cans for garbage. Not only can
left-behind garbage frustrate the next guest, but food that's left
out can attract pests that can damage your property.
Have
Professionals Regularly Clean Your Airbnb
Invest
in professional cleanings after each rental. Even if you don't mind
cleaning up after guests, don't try to do it yourself. With their
checklists and professional equipment, professional cleaners will
know to clean areas you may miss.
One
of the best long-term strategies for keeping your Airbnb rental home
in top shape is finding a reliable professional cleaning service.
Contact NorthStar
Cleaning & Property Services today
to learn more about our full-service home cleaning services. We are
happy to customize our cleaning plan to best suit the needs for your
Airbnb throughout the year.
