How do I start hosting?

[Nadia1469]

hi ,kalau nak jadi host apartment macam mana ye 

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Hi, how do I become an apartment host?

Title updated and Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

[Sébastien696]

Bonjour Nadia,

Pour commencer, il est essentiel de bien se renseigner sur la réglementation applicable et de s’y conformer. Cela permet d’éviter des problèmes à l’avenir.

Ensuite, il est utile d’analyser le marché local : regarder les biens similaires autour du vôtre, les prix pratiqués, les services proposés et les descriptions. Cela vous aidera à positionner votre bien en termes de prix et de potentiel.

Il est également important de prendre de très belles photos du logement — en quantité suffisante — puis de faire un tri pour ne garder que les meilleures.

Créez ensuite l’annonce sur Airbnb, en y intégrant les photos sélectionnées et une description fidèle, claire et unique qui met en valeur votre bien.

Et c’est parti pour l’aventure !

Bon courage pour la suite.

Cordialement,

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Google Translation added by Community Manager:  

Hello Nadia,

To begin with, it’s essential to thoroughly research the relevant regulations and ensure you comply with them. This will help you avoid any issues in the future.

Next, it’s useful to analyse the local market: look at similar properties in your area, the prices being charged, the amenities offered, and the descriptions provided. This will help you position your property in terms of pricing and potential.

It’s also important to take high-quality photos of your accommodation — and plenty of them — then carefully select only the best ones.

Then, create your listing on Airbnb, including the chosen photos and a description that is accurate, clear, and distinctive, highlighting the unique features of your property.

And that’s you ready to begin your adventure!

Best of luck with everything.

Kind regards,

[Sky389]

HI Nadia, You already have a lot of good suggestions here. I will add that you should stay at a few AirBNBs in your area to see what your competition offers and what the guest experience should be.  Good luck with your journey and when you have your listing ready, let us know and we can provide more feedback.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Sky389 , great point! Personal experiences as guests can really help hosts design a welcoming space for others.

I’m curious, have your own guest stays inspired you to add any particular amenities to your listing?

Looking forward to read your hosting story!

Regards,

[Sky19]

They send me private messages saying they loved my place and offered some suggestions like night lights for kids, blackout curtains in kids bedroom, and plates for kids (not breakables). I incorporated these items immediately.  Good luck with your rental. 

[Bhumika]

This is fantastic @Sky19, I love how quickly you incorporated these guest suggestions to your listing!

Since many of these suggestions focus on hosting families with children, I’m curious if you usually get more bookings from families as compared to solo or business travellers?

[Sky389]

My rental is a 3 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom house that accomodated 8 people and one pet. I target families and small groups.

[Sneha38]

Hey there! 😊 Getting started as a host can be such a rewarding experience — especially if you focus on family, comfort, and fun. Here are a few tips that might help:

1. Check local laws first – Before setting up, make sure you understand your area’s local and building regulations to see what’s allowed for short-term hosting. It’ll save you stress later!
2. Set a clear budget – Decide how much you’d like to spend on furniture and décor. Keep things simple, comfortable, and durable — it doesn’t have to be expensive to feel welcoming.
3. Create a family-friendly vibe – Add a few board games, puzzles, or cards for family time, plus some books for both kids and adults. Small touches like these make guests feel right at home.
4. Add thoughtful details – A cozy throw, a local snack basket, or a note with nearby parks and cafés adds warmth and personality.
5. Keep communication friendly and quick – Guests love a helpful, approachable host.
6. Have fun with it! – Hosting is all about creating memorable stays and meeting wonderful people along the way.

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing your tips with @Nadia1469 , @Sneha38 . Adding family friendly amenity is definitely a bonus for many guests! 

Have you added any specific board games to your listing, that you think guests truly appreciate? 

[Sneha38]

Hi Bhumika,

I’ve added Monopoly, Scrabble, and Twister for older guests, as well as a 6-in-1 multi board game (including Ludo, Snakes & Ladders, Chess, and Checkers) for families with younger children.

Maybe just start with the multi board game and Monopoly, and gradually add the others later.

[Bhumika]

Great collection @Sneha38 😍 All of these are my personal favorites too, and I can imagine how much families and guests may enjoy playing these games. 

How did you come up with this idea of adding games though? Did you see it as a recommendation somewhere?

[Sneha38]

Thank you! I’ve noticed that families and groups really enjoy having a few board games around, so I thought adding some classics would make the place feel more homely and fun. I just wanted to create a family-friendly space — and honestly, I thought about the little things I miss when travelling with my own family.

[Bhumika]

That's beautiful @Sneha38 ! Absolutely worth the joy 🎉

I noticed you mentioned about books too. Do you keep a mix of children's books and books for grown ups?

[Teresa2545]

Getting Started as an Airbnb Host

Becoming an Airbnb host was, for me, like putting a puzzle together. It’s a process — and at first, it can feel challenging because there are so many pieces to find. But as you start fitting them together, everything begins to make more sense and comes together more smoothly.

Step 1: Get your home ready (and don’t publish until you are truly ready!)

Make sure the home you plan to list is fully prepared and guest-ready. Pay close attention to details — clean your baseboards, corners, and bathroom tile, and refresh paint where needed. Ensure all appliances work properly.

Spend a couple of nights in your space to experience it as a guest would. Take notes on what could make it more comfortable — for example, adding charging cords near beds or seating areas. Cleanliness is a big deal on Airbnb, so go the extra mile here.

Step 2: Showcase your home with great photos

Good photos are everything. Capture your home in bright, natural light and make sure your pictures accurately represent the space. If photography isn’t your strength, consider hiring a professional — it’s worth the investment.

Step 3: Learn the platform

Download the Airbnb app if you haven’t already. As you take breaks from preparing your home, spend time reading Airbnb’s articles and resources. Join social media or local hosting groups — there’s so much to learn from others’ experiences.

Step 4: Take care of local requirements

Research your local laws about short-term rentals. You may need a business license or registration, but don’t let that intimidate you — the process is usually straightforward.

Step 5: Complete your host setup

Airbnb will ask you to verify your identity and set up your payout method (usually a bank account). Keep your documents, like your business license, handy.

Step 6: Research your market

Look at nearby listings similar to yours. Note their prices, amenities, and photos so you can position your home competitively.

Step 7: Create your listing

Write a clear and inviting description of your home, including your house rules. Set your calendar, availability, minimum stay, and nightly rates. When everything feels ready — take a deep breath and publish your listing!

Most importantly:

Remember, your guests are your customers. Treat them with respect and care. Be personable, responsive, and courteous. Every interaction shapes your reputation within the Airbnb community — and that reputation becomes one of your greatest assets.

Enjoy the journey — hosting can be incredibly rewarding and even fun!

[Bhumika]

This is such a brilliant checklist @Teresa2545 😍 I like how you have highlighted the importance of listing descriptions.

What do you generally recommend hosts should make sure to add in their listing descriptions? 

Looking forward to your insights!

Regards,

[Tim4517]

Hi @Nadia1469 , welcome to Airbnb!

Becoming an apartment host is simpler than it looks, but it works best when you plan carefully. Here’s what you need to do step by step:

1. Understand Local Rules
   Check your city or building regulations for short-term rentals. Some places need permits or have HOA restrictions. It’s always better to start right.
2. Set Up Your Space
   Make sure your apartment is guest-ready: Clean, well-lit, and clutter-free. Stocked with essentials like towels, toiletries, and kitchen basics. Safe with working smoke alarms and secure locks
3. Create Your Listing. Go to Airbnb.com and click “List your place.” Add clear photos that show every corner. Write a short, honest description that helps guests know what to expect. Set your nightly price after checking similar listings nearby.
4. Enable Instant Book (if possible)
   Guests appreciate quick booking. You can still control who books by setting requirements, like verified ID or positive reviews.
5. Prepare for Guests. Offer smooth check-in with clear instructions or a lockbox. Communicate early and politely. Keep your response rate high—Airbnb rewards active hosts.
6. Stay Consistent
   Small touches make a big difference: a Welcome note or a small snack. Quick replies. Clean, comfortable bedding

If you take care of these details, you’ll not only become an apartment host—you’ll build a reputation guests remember.

Good luck with your first listing! If you want, share your location or apartment type here, and I’ll help you figure out how to position it better.

Tim (Superhost)