We’re sure that you’ve heard of AirBnb, the website that allows you to rent out your home – or a room within the home – to people visiting the area in which you live. The platform has caused quite a buzz in recent years. Tourists love it because it allows them to get a bigger, more interesting property than a traditional hotel room, and usually at a lower cost too. Hotels don’t like it because it takes business away from them, governments have concerns about how safe and legal it is, and locals can sometimes find it drives up local rental places too much. But that’s only in the big cities. It might work for you just fine! But are you ready?
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What’s Your Motive?
What are you looking to get out of putting your home on AirBnb? Because if it’s just a quick extra income, then I’d think again. You’ll be dealing with people all the time, and they can be needy – you have to really want them to have a good time. It’ll show if you don’t, and a few bad reviews on AirBnb and you’re finished. If you genuinely like people and want to give them a good experience while also earning some extra income, AirBnb might be for you.
Do Your Concerns Outweigh Your Good Feelings?
Just as like with any circumstance where you’ll be dealing with strangers, you should take extra time to think about your safety. You’re not just thinking about your own personal safety, but that of your home too. It happens occasionally where an AirBnb guest ends up trashing the place they’ve rented. If this is your concern, you could buy a Frontpoint DIY alarm system for your property, as this allows you to view cameras pointed at your home at a click of a button. If a party were to happen, you’d know. Basically, it’s good to go with your guy – if you think you’d just worry, go for something else. But if you think people are generally good (they are!), then give it a try.
Are You Allowed To Do It?
With all your good intentions, you might not actually be allowed to rent out your property. If you’re not the legal owner then you’d have to get permission from your landlord, and there’s every chance they’d say no – because why would they gamble their property for you to make a profit? It’s fair. Also, even if you are the owner you’ll have to check with your local laws, as these can be a bit tricky. AirBnb has been able to operate, so far, pretty smoothly, but this is beginning to change.
Do You Have The Time?
Finally, think about whether you actually have the time to commit to being an AirBnb host. It’s not just about collecting money and swanning off on holiday – your property needs to be clean and you need to be available should your guests need you for anything. There’s also taking pictures, dealing with enquiries, and so on. But if you can fit it all in, then go for it!
