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:  

[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)

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing these fantastic pointers @Tim4517 ! I really like how you mention adding small touches to listing be it adding a welcome note or snacks. 

Do you offer these additional touches to your listing too? How do you guests respond to these gestures?

Regards,

[TCI-Blue0]

Have an apartment that is ready for accepting guests by:

-having the correct legal documents and permissions from your country/municipality

- ability to host with great and clear communication as well as support team

- create your Airbnb Ad, use examples to give you inspiration

- remain focused, positive and happy

[Bhumika]

Thank you so much @TCI-Blue0 for sharing your tips with @Nadia1469 ! 

Many hosts in our community often ask about which legal documents or permissions they need to take care of before publishing their listing. Do you often follow a checklist for the same?

[Wendy2005]

Hi @Nadia1469  a great question!

Becoming a host can be a rewarding way to earn income from property, but it’s important to understand that hosting is hospitality, not just renting out a place. Guests expect a hotel-level experience: clear communication, cleanliness and responsiveness.

Here are the key steps:

1. Choose the space
It can be a spare room, your home when you’re away, or a dedicated rental property. Check local rules first — some areas require short-term let registration or permits.

2. Prepare the property
Furnish it, equip it with essentials (bedding, towels, Wi-Fi, kitchen basics) and make it guest-ready. The goal is comfort and ease of use.

3. Insurance (very important)
Standard home/landlord insurance usually does not cover short-term lets. You’ll need:

• Short-term let / holiday let insurance

• Public liability cover

• Accidental damage cover (recommended)

This protects you and gives peace of mind.

4. Pricing strategy
Price is one of the most dynamic and critical elements of hosting. Getting pricing right can be the difference between running a profitable property or losing money. Prices fluctuate daily based on demand, events, seasonality and supply in your area.

Manually adjusting rates is time-consuming, so consider using dynamic pricing tools — they automate pricing and react to market conditions, often outperforming fixed-rate pricing and saving you time and money in the long run.

5. Cleaning & maintenance
Plan how you’ll manage turnovers — either doing it yourself or hiring cleaners and laundry services.

6. Guest communication & reviews
Respond promptly and stay professional. Great communication leads to good reviews, and good reviews attract future bookings.

Hosting can be an excellent business — just be prepared, organised, and treat it as hospitality rather than a simple rental.

Happy Hosting...🏡