Interest in starting Airbnb

[Khetho0]

Hello everyone 👋🏽

My name is Khetho, and I’m new to this amazing community and the Airbnb space in general. I’m based in Gauteng (Johannesburg), and I’m currently working on starting my first Airbnb business — with a specific interest in rental arbitrage and co-hosting models since I don’t yet own any property.

I’d really appreciate any guidance, advice, or connections — especially around:

• How to get started smartly 
• How to approach landlords the right way
• Where I might find properties in Johannesburg, Pretoria, or surrounding areas that allow subletting for Airbnb

I’m very passionate about making this work and open to learning from anyone who’s already on this journey. If you’re willing to share some tips or even jump on a WhatsApp chat, I’d truly value the mentorship and support.

Please feel free to drop me a message or comment, and I’ll gladly connect.

Thanks so much for welcoming me into this community — looking forward to growing with you all!

[Helen3]

You are not 'starting an Airbnb'. It's a marketing platform for short term rentals. 

you want to start an arbitrage business .

in the UK standard rental leases forbid sub letting. 

I don't know how it works in South Africa.

what research have you done into short term rental regulations? What will you do if you don't get the bookings you want and end up having rental and bills that you can't cover ?

[Khetho0]

Thank you so much for the clarity and for pointing that out — you’re absolutely right. I appreciate you correcting the terminology — I now understand that what I’m really trying to do is start a short-term rental business using platforms like Airbnb, and specifically through rental arbitrage here in South Africa.

To be fully transparent:

This is part of a wider business growth strategy — I already run a small business in the ICT/contracting space, and I’m looking at diversifying my income streams.

I’m still early in my research phase, which is why I joined this community — to learn from people with real experience and avoid making avoidable mistakes.

To answer your questions:

Regulations in South Africa: I’ve started researching this. From what I’ve seen so far, short-term rentals are generally allowed in many parts of Gauteng, though some body corporates (in sectional title apartments) might restrict subletting.

I’m also looking into municipal by-laws and planning to speak directly to landlords to ensure I have written consent before doing anything.

If Bookings Don’t Cover Costs: That’s a key risk I’m aware of. To reduce that, I’m Planning to start with one small unit only to test demand before scaling

Looking at high-traffic areas like Sandton or Hatfield where demand is more consistent

Building a cash-flow buffer, even if small, and exploring partnerships instead of long-term leases to reduce fixed risk

Also considering co-hosting first before jumping into rental arbitrage

I’m here not just to “try something” but to build something sustainable — and I’d genuinely value any advice or mentorship you (or others) might offer as I take this step forward.

Thanks again for the constructive feedback!

[Helen3]

Sorry I don't think arbitrage is a good model either for accommodation owners or for those running an arbitrage business so wouldn't offer mentorship but there may be those experienced in doing this in SA that you could pay to offer mentoring support @Khetho0 

lots offering training in arbitrage are there just to make money from their training courses.

[Elegant-Homes-Retreat0]

Hi @Khetho0,

Welcome to the Airbnb Community, and thank you for such a well-thought-out introduction. You're already taking a smart approach by doing research, asking questions, and starting with a lean, test-first strategy.

Here’s a summary of key points to guide your journey, based on your post and responses from others:

✅ 1. Clarify Your Model
As @Helen3 rightly pointed out, you're not "starting an Airbnb" — you're starting a short-term rental business, using platforms like Airbnb for bookings. The correct terms for your approach are rental arbitrage and co-hosting.

✅ 2. Legal Considerations (South Africa Specific)
You're on the right track by checking municipal by-laws and lease agreements.

In Gauteng, many short-term rentals are permitted, but sectional title complexes often restrict subletting, so always get written landlord consent.

Consider speaking with local legal or property professionals to be fully compliant.

✅ 3. Starting Smart
You're already thinking ahead by:

Starting with one unit in high-demand areas like Sandton or Hatfield

Testing demand before scaling

Keeping a cash-flow buffer

Considering co-hosting first, which can reduce risk and build your credibility

This shows you're focused on building something sustainable, not just trying your luck.

✅ 4. Platform Limitations
Airbnb is a tool, not the business itself. You’ll also need to:

Build guest experience systems

Understand pricing strategies

Handle cleaning, maintenance, guest messaging, and possibly channel management across other platforms too

✅ 5. Mentorship & Caution on Paid Courses
As @Helen3 noted, many arbitrage training programs are profit-driven and not always transparent. Be cautious about who you learn from. Instead, try to connect with local hosts or property managers actually working in your target areas — ideally those who can speak from direct experience.

You're clearly doing the right things: learning, planning, and engaging with the host community. Keep that mindset, and you’ll make smart progress.

Feel free to keep asking — we’re all learning and growing together.