What counts as a bedroom?

[Anne15327]

I'm thinking of listing a new property, and not sure if it can be a 2 bedroom or has to be listed as 1 bedroom.

Are there any rules about posting a room as a "bedroom" within a house where the whole house is listed?  If it has a fold-out couch rather than a bed can it still count as a bedroom, assuming it has a lockable door?

[Guy991]

Hello @Anne15327 ,

If the space is livable, large enough to accommodate a bed, has a lockable door, is designated for sleeping (and not part of communal areas), and has proper natural light and ventilation through a window, it can be considered a bedroom. A bedroom is often defined by the usability and quality of the space.

P.S. The property in New Mexico is just stunning. Can’t wait to see the new listing!

[Anne15327]

Thanks! Very helpful.

[Shelley159]

Hi @Anne15327 

In addition to what @Guy991 has said, the decision as to whether it is considered a bedroom or not, will essentially be up to the guests who review you! Your aim should just be to portray your space as accurately as possible. This should ensure that people know what to expect and don't mark you down because they were under the wrong impression.

The number of bedrooms that you see displayed on the face of a listing, is auto-detected by Airbnb's software based on how you set up your photos in the photo tour. In other words, if you create two "bedroom" folders in the photo tour, the listing will display as a two-bedroom unit. However, if you set one of them up as a living room (for example) and you add the amenity "sofa bed" to the living room (this is also done inside the photo editor), then your listing will display as one bedroom, 2 beds. Whatever you decide, be sure to tick the correct type of bed (so that guests know they should not expect a regular bed). Your photos can also be very helpful in creating the correct expectation.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Anne15327 , this is definitely an interesting question! What do you think of the comments from experienced members Guy and Shelley?

[Oksana127]

Hi there!

Great question! When listing a property on Airbnb, a bedroom is typically defined as a separate room with four walls, a door that can be closed (ideally lockable), and a permanent sleeping arrangement (like a bed). That said, a fold-out couch can sometimes be considered in the count, especially if it's in a room that meets the privacy criteria (like a room with a door that closes).

If you're listing the whole house and one of the rooms has a fold-out couch but has its own door and privacy, you could potentially list it as a bedroom. However, it’s important to be transparent in your description. Guests appreciate clarity, so make sure to note that one of the bedrooms has a fold-out couch instead of a traditional bed.

In the title or description, you could say something like "2-bedroom home, one with a fold-out couch," so guests know exactly what to expect.

Hope that helps, and good luck with your listing!

[Anne15327]

Thanks @Oksana127  (and everyone else who answered @Shelley159 @Guy991 ). 

The room is separate/private with a lockable door, windows, and a closet area. All I have to do next is find the right size bed or fold-out to put in there.

Of course I will post clearly.

Very helpful!