Need encouragement

[Dorothy206]

I am new to hosting and am almost ready to start renting out. I have read numerous situations from many about complaints they have dealing with renters trashing their place or the difficulties in getting Airbnb to assist with damages.  Is it worth the hassle? I’m sorta getting discouraged and I haven’t even started yet. Can someone give me some positives about renting out please. 

[Dorothy206]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[Julia2543]

Hi @Dorothy206 

Hands down becoming a part of the Airbnb community and listing our properties here is one of the absolute best things we've ever done!  We get exceptional support from Airbnb and their representatives.  We are relatively new as well only been on the platform for 2 years.  We have had over 100 stays and only 3 of them have been trouble.  And Airbnb stood behind us and guided us gently through the procedure to fix the issues.  Please do not give up.  Please at least give them a try.  If you feel that it isn't a right fit, just take your listing off of the market.

[Fiza1]

It's all about getting ahead of this by screening out guests. Set clear house rules and confirm the guest knows what they are and the general setup!

[Christine615]

I have a guest book. It’s filled with three years of good stories. Only 1% of my guests have been awful.

1. put security cameras on your exterior door. You’ll thank us later.

2. screen your guests. People who explain who they are and why they’re coming and maintaining ongoing communication are better than those with Kate night inquiries, vague inquiries, etc.

3. explain that damage and missing items are billed at replacement cost in your house rules. Guests agree to those rules when they book.

4. unauthorized guests are billed at $75/person/night (or more).

So far we’ve had few problems but we also won’t rent to just anyone.

[Dorothy206]

Thank you for the information. I will consider some of your suggestions. 

[Marissa160]

@Dorothy206  we are new “remote” hosts as well (we live about two hours away).  We thought we would be able to only go a couple times a month to restock and check on things, but we started listing in April and we have had to go out almost weekly since we started. Our listing is in a rural location and we have a great cleaning lady and a handyman option, but other help is limited. We have hosted about 12 stays so far, with only one stay that didn’t go well. I say go for it with listing your property, but make sure you have good people you can trust to clean and help out with minor stuff. Ultimately though if you don’t have a co-host, you have to be ready to go out there when needed for emergencies or to evict people if needed. I’ve also learned a lot by reading through these forums. 

[Fred13]

Keep a close eye on your place, read all you can and be patient since there is a lot to learn at first. Take nothing personal.  Good luck.

[Betty149]

@Dorothy206 Dorothy206  Me recuerdas a mi, la misma sensación y los mismos miedos.

Hace casi 5 años que estamos alquilando y no puedo decirte que hemos tenido una mala experiencia,  nunca hemos tenido situaciones desagradables......Te animo con todo cariño, que  inicies tu actividad y negocio que no te dará otra cosa que satisfacción y bienestar ....créeme. Recuerda que hay mas gente buena que menos buena...Betty desde Tenerife