What You Should Know Before Renting Out an Airbnb

Renting a portion of your home with Airbnb is a decent way to make some extra money with space you're already using. Anyone interested in this method of being a landlord, even temporarily, will need to make the space as inviting as possible. Additionally, you'll want to share the local flavor of your area so guests will have a memorable time, rate you highly, and return.

Check Your Insurance

Your homeowner's insurance may already cover Airbnb rentals, but the only way to be sure is to check with your agent. If not, get the price on a rider. Airbnb can be quite lucrative, so the rider and the insurance offered by Airbnb can be a worthy expense. For those who are renting, an Airbnb agreement will need to meet the terms of your lease. Do not attempt to get around these terms if it puts you at risk of voiding said lease.

Show Off the Space

Before you list, depersonalize and declutter. If you have an apartment on the second floor of your home, use photos that show off the light pouring in through the windows and the comfortable couches and chairs. A picture of the high-end coffeepot is a nice addition, as is the well-stocked bathroom and the restful sleeping area. If all you have to rent is a room, make sure that potential guests see the desk, the side chair, and that perfect spot for their suitcase.

Post Rules Clearly

If you offer amenities such as a washer and dryer, provide instructions. Also, make sure to provide instructions for the coffeepot if it's not obvious. Understand that everything in the bathroom will be considered fair game, so it would be nice of you to mark body wash and shampoo carefully if you've moved it to a different container. 

This actually is a great way to pamper your guests and reduce the risk of leftover toiletries when people check out. For Airbnb hosts outside the city, take care to post instructions on how trash is to be handled so garbage doesn't sit in the trashcan.

Make Life Easy

Like the body wash and shampoo example above, do your best to add a little luxury and ease for your guests. Include a pretty bowl of fresh apples on the table, or put out an arrangement of silk flowers to suit the season. Avoid fresh flowers; nobody wants to fire up their allergies while on vacation. Make sure your instructions are cheery and list your phone number for a text or call if something is amiss. 

When working out how to make money with Airbnb, it's important to treat the space like a guest house. Yes, your guests are paying you, but things like overly involved bedding or a 5 part shower curtain aren’t inviting. It's ostentatious, fussy, and not at all relaxing.

Leave a television, but don't make it the center of the room. Leave books from the New York Times bestseller lists around, as well as quirky local publications. If you have a fold-out couch or bed, try not to put a heavy coffee table in front of it. Nobody wants to lug around bulky furniture before bed.

Provide Easy Access

Do your best to make sure that your guest has private access. If you like to cook your guests a meal, make sure you set that up during the reservation process. Many folks like to load up their vacation time with things to do, and your invitation can feel awkward and difficult if made face to face. 

Part of the joy of travel, for many folks, is the chance to be anonymous. Your guest may just want to be on their own. Also make sure that you leave a list in an obvious spot that includes your contact information, the wi-fi password, and any other data you think appropriate for their peace of mind.

Celebrate Your Region

Treat your guest with information about local sights, restaurants, and activities. If you can get coupons from local businesses, leave them in plain sight on a table or counter when your guest arrives. Include a map and directions with "right" and "left" as not everyone feels North and South in a new space.

Airbnb can be a good side income in the right structure. Make sure the access between the spaces is completely secure, and be willing to let it stand empty rather than risking a destructive renter.