Happy Hosting - 5 Ways To Take The Stress Out Of Being An Airbnb Host

Taking the leap and listing your property on Airbnb can be a great convenience. On the other hand, it leaves you with ultimate responsibility and liability if problems arise. If you’ve never leased or hired out your property before, it can feel like an overwhelming new world, but this shouldn’t discourage you. There are plenty of hacks you can follow to simplify the hosting process and relieve you of some of that extra stress. Here are the five most important ones to get you started.

1. Invest in Smart Locks

The most pressing concern for both guests and hosts is security. It is not just novice hosts who feel a degree of anxiety when handing over the keys to their property. This is a big reason why many experienced hosts are turning to Bluetooth smart locks for Airbnb. These are mobile devices that function as locks via a PIN or access code which you can monitor and change through the convenience of your smartphone.

This way, you can monitor your home no matter where you are and ensure that doors are locked. You can also change your code between each guest for extra security. Keyless entry is favorable because all you need to do for a smooth check-in is send your guests the access code. It’s a win-win for everyone!

2. Have an Associate

No matter how determined you may be or how hard you try, chances are you won’t always be able to attend to the property should your guests need something urgently. So, make sure you have an alternative solution, like allowing your partner or trusted friend access to your digital smart lock app. You should also entrust somebody like a reliable neighbor, friend, or relative to be an emergency contact for your guests. Then, list the contact details in your property and message them to your guests so that they have them on hand.

3. 24/7 Cleaning and Maintenance Contact

People can be so finicky about cleaning and as long as you don’t want your guests nagging you all day about cleaning you should probably have contacts of local cleaning services like this Atlanta house cleaning company handy.

Local cleaning services are a panacea not only for nagging guests but also don’t burn too much of a hole in your pocket. You probably won’t need a midnight cleaner on a regular basis, but having a reliable contact handy will save you a lot of trouble in an emergency.

Events like flooding, accidental damage, or technical difficulties will disrupt your guest’s stay and can affect your property if not treated quickly. So, before you accept guests, get in touch with all the local maintenance-related services you might need who offer emergency services and introduce yourself.

4. Make Any Important Information Crystal Clear

Any important information about the property should be emphasized at every point of your guest’s stay. That means on your Airbnb listing, during check-in (if you do it in person), and on a note inside the premises (on the fridge or a table is ideal). Miscommunications and unsatisfied expectations are the most common issues in negative Airbnb reviews. You can’t control somebody’s experience to a tee, but you can avoid surprises by being descriptive and transparent in your descriptions.

5. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew

It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new venture, just don’t let this cloud your judgment of how much work you can handle. Until you have a bit of experience under your belt, approving back-to-back stays or accepting guests without reading their profile can take its toll on your energy and lead to trouble – like forgetting to clean in between check-ins, or forgetting a guest altogether. Pace yourself and ease into your new role as an Airbnb host.

Now you know how to streamline your hosting, it’s time to get started writing the perfect description for your property!