Booking for a year

[Marja66]

Hi all, I have just received an enquiry to book my home for a year.  I am very excited about the prospect but now thinking about the practical side of things, like how do I keep an eye on the property from a maintenance perspective, can I have access to the property for inspections? Trivial I guess, but my listing is my home, which I have listed while I live with and care for my elderly father.  I have had some amazing guests stay in my home over the last couple of years but there is always that sense of dread when I don't have any future bookings in the calendar.  At least with a booking for a year I won't have that concern.  The reason I am reaching out - are any of you aware or able to provide me with guidance on what I should be looking out for during such a long booking.  Should I set some ground rules at the begining, like inspecting the property every 3-4 months, for example.  Thank you!

[Joelle43]

Hello @Marja66 

Yes I can imagine that this enquiry must have set your heart fluttering😊 As tempting as it might seem, it's best to keep a calm approach to begin with and vet this guest as much as possible before accepting a potential booking.  

Long term stays and terms on Airbnb are different to short term lets and guests can shorten their stay by giving you 30 days notice at any time so this one year let may not go to term.    Here is a great link to a recent updated guide on "Everything you ever wanted to know about long term hosting"😉

https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Community-Guides/Monthly-Stays-on-Airbnb-Guide-Revised/td-p/2031...

And yes, definitely put in your ground rules!  A lot of hosts put in a mandatory clean (fee applied usually) so that they can keep an eye on their place.  Any invasion of privacy will probably not go down well with the guest and any hint of unauthorised inspections will get you suspended.

Keep the conversation going with this guest to sus out if they are legit or not and if they ask you for a video of your place, this is more than likely a scammer.  Use the search bar here on the forum to see all the posts on the subject!

All the best
Joëlle

[Marja66]

Thank you for the additional information- very helpful

[Lila-Singh0]

Please check with your local council first. Normally in my case, more than 90 days falls under long term tenants.

[Alex]

Hi @Marja66 

I'm sure you are excited about this new experience that you are about to start, and I believe everything is going to go well. 😊

@Joelle43 has left you a link with exactly what you need to know for long-term rentals, and I think it will resolve all of your doubts. 

Is there any other question you would like to clarify? 👀

Best wishes, 

Alex

[Marja66]

All good that’s Alex. Still waiting for enquiry to result in booking.

[Frances3408]

@Marja66. Hi Marja, if this is your first time renting out your place long term I think you should seriously consider getting a local agent to manage it (rather than via Airbnb) . Victoria has the strongest pro tenant laws in the country and you will be held personally responsible. See this govt link for more info: https://www.vic.gov.au/renting-victoria

Factors to consider are adequate insurance, especially for contents (forget Aircover), how often and when you can access the property (which you are effectively handing over to a stranger for a year) with strictly controlled access rights laws, inability to reasonably refuse pets, etc.

Most importantly, what vetting have you done for this enquiry? With an agent they have resources to do full background checks including rental history, financial, employment and there is a bond that will be held by the state authorities against unpaid rent, damages etc. They can handle all maintenance, schedule inspections and can even pay the ongoing rates etc, if you wish, just depends on what you negotiate. They will make sure the rent is paid on time.

I have been a landlord for a long time and only in the past few years have I moved to self managing. I would never utilise Airbnb for long term rental as they just dont have the on the ground resources needed to monitor your property.

I would think you have your hands full caring for your father. The fees estate agents charge is not unreasonable as long as they do their job. If local you have the advantage that many do a drive by as they are constantly going between listings; they also pick up the local happenings/issues.

Good luck.

[Marja66]

Yes I agree the Vic area I Tenants Act will have effect and will look into this if the enquiry results in a booking. Thank you for the information it’s been very helpful

[Frances3408]

@Marja66 . Good to hear, but I'd do that research before you accept any long bookings as Airbnb has unfriendly host cancellation policies.