Airbnb a room

[Jean9347]

I am about to start airbnb-ing a room in my home for extra income. What are some of the boxes I must check? Insights and suggestions are welcome.

[Joan2709 · Accepted solution]

@Jean9347 

I would start by checking to see if there are any restrictions, licensing and regulations regarding short term rentals in your area. If you are living an an HOA community, I would check and see if they are even allowed. You also might want to find out what taxes may apply to your listing.

If you listing is in NY, they have some pretty strict STR regulations.

Here is a Guide for New Hosts that might be helpful:

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Host-guides/A-Guide-For-New-Hosts/m-p/2073093#M2346

[Jean9347]

Hi Joan2709,

Thank your for your sound advice and guide. I appreciate it.

I am in Virginia Beach and so is the property. Apparently, using a room in your primary residence to airbnb is not considered STR by definition in Virginia beach for now. Let's hope it remains this way. 

Anything you want to share when it comes to insurance? Do you recommend to operate under an LLC?

Once again, thank you for sharing!

Best,

Jean

[Joan2709]

@Jean9347 

Some Hosts use an LLC, but from what I've read it really doesn't limit exposure to liability, but you'll have to research that for your own state and possibly talk to an attorney on that.

I do recommend you get your own STR insurance policy and typical Homeowners insurance will not cover you when operating an Airbnb in the home. Some insurers will allow you to add on a policy, but you have to contact your insurer on that. I do not recommend relying on Aircover.

[Alex]

Hello @Jean9347!

Welcome to the community, and congratulations on this new adventure you're about to begin!
Have you hosted before, or is this your first time? 🏡

I'm going to share some helpful links from the Help Centre to guide you through the basics of hosting: 

• Getting started on Airbnb
• The basics of hosting on Airbnb
• Your professional hosting quick-start checklist

Hope this with the help of Joan's advice will help you to have a smooth start. 

Best, 

Alex

[Jean9347]

Hi Alex,

Thank you for sharing! I hope that you are well.

This is my very first time. That is why I am trying to educate myself as much as I can before diving into it. 

[Alex]

Absolutely, @Jean9347! 🤗 I'm so glad you’re here because you'll have the chance to learn a lot from all the resources the Community provides, along with the support from fellow hosts. Were you able to check the links that I attached?