Not being there as a host during the stay

[Callum73]

Hi - I wanted to ask people's views. I have a two bedroom bungalow. I air BnB my spare room. This year, I've decided that I'm happy to have people in without having to be there all the time. This includes going away at weekends, the guests self checking in and out. Is this allowed? 

[Helen3]

Yes you can do but it does put you at risk that people could steal from you or party @Callum73 

If you're going to do this you might as well set up a whole listing and charge an appropriate rate.

make sure you lock your bedroom and lock away valuable. @Callum73 

[Trini104 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Callum73 
I live in Chile and try to get out of The city where I live any chance I got.
So I divided my place in 3 listings, one for each room and one for the full place.
When I am in the city I only rent the spare room and when I am staying somewhere else I rent  both rooms or the complete apartment.

To be honest, the most important thing for guests is to have all the information and to be available to answer any questions.
When Im not there I leave some house manuals, info on how to use the washer, a map of the neighborhood with places of interest and useful that they could need. And I am always checking in with messages if everything is ok.

As a traveler, I have learned from other hosts, that make my stay amazing, so just think of what you would need when you go someplace new.

Good luck!

[Sangeeta8]

Ofcourse you can. Lock away what is dear to you. Make an inventory or take a video or photos to see if anything is missing. I do it all the time as I have a security guard and housekeeper. 

If you are giving your own room as well, keep atleast one empty cupboard with extra linen etc and lock up yours 

You will have to see if it's working for you, only you can decide .

[Suzanne972]

Hi Callum,

Yes self check In is definitely permissible and encouraged. It makes life easier.

happy hosting!

[Helen744]

@Callum73 the issue Is not you not being in the house It Is you apparently opting out of hosting, responsibilities. I would suggest along with the other good suggestions from below that you have a 'co host ' who is available for any issues that arise for your guests and that they are paid. Co hosts can be allowed to access most parts of the desk top now and a payout can be directed to them , but try out your co host before your plan to go away.... H

[Callum73]

Thanks Helen. I have considered the co-host option but unfortunately it would be more trouble than its worth. My parents (who would be the co-host) don't have smart phones. I like the idea of hiring out my entire place for a stay during times i'm away. 

[Inna22]

@Callum73 don’t overthink it. You do not need a co host. Most of airbnb owners are off site. The chances of someone stealing from you are slim (do put a lock on your own room though). Make sure you have insurance and enjoy your time away! You may even want to consider creating another listing for the days you are out of town that’s not a shared space and charging more for it 

[Callum73]

That's a really good point. I hadn't considered this. I will look at at the days I'm away and consider adding another option for an entire stay.

[Helen3]

it's different if it's your own home though @Inna22 

He would need to pack away personal items such as food/clothes/expensive items from rooms open to guests every time he lets it out. 

@Callum73 would also need CCTV or similar to monitor the property to minimise the risk of partying/guests not on the booking 

[Paula]

Hello @Callum73 and welcome to our Community 😊,

I just came across your post and noticed that our wonderful members have provided their advice. Have you had a chance to read through their suggestions? Also, if you proceed with your plan, is your two bedroom bungalow located in the UK?

Please keep us updated.

[Callum73]

Thank you Paula. It's been a busy week and have only come back to this page today. I'll take a look at the responses. 

C