retiree guide to hosting airbnb: Approximately 35% of hosts worldwide stated in Airbnb’s most recent annual survey that they host to help pay for their rising living expenses. One of those groups is retirees, and given the state of the economy, more and more retirees are choosing to rent out their homes on Airbnb.
You might feel nervous if this is your first time hosting on Airbnb. After all, you’ll be inviting total strangers into your home. The decision to become an Airbnb host can be rewarding in more ways than just increasing your bank account, though you do need to do your research before you list your property on the platform.
Retirement-age Greg and Teri Gault are Vasquez Mountain View Ranch Airbnb hosts in Agua Dulce, California, and they’ve never looked back.
Teri Gault said, “We were initially concerned about having strangers on our property, but every concern we had has been entirely allayed. “We made the decision to take the risk and list our Airbnb just three days before New Year’s Eve. Since then, we have had a full schedule. We have enjoyed meeting wonderful people, dogs, and even cats from all over the world, and every visitor is welcome to return at any time. Here are some essential tips for new retirees who want to start hosting on Airbnb.
retiree guide to hosting airbnb
Understand the elements of a successful listing
According to Kym Tolson, LCSW, CSAC, aka The Traveling Therapist, “if you’re thinking of listing your property as a retiree on Airbnb, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your listing is successful.”
“To start, spend some time looking through other listings in your neighbourhood to get a sense of what visitors are looking for. Then, take crisp, well-lit pictures of your area, emphasising any special features. Write a thorough and accurate description of your property next, mentioning any pertinent features and nearby landmarks. Set a price that is competitive and appropriate for the value of your listing. You’ll draw visitors and receive excellent reviews on Airbnb if you abide by these straightforward recommendations.
Prepare the Kitchen
Stock the kitchen with essentials like salt, pepper, napkins, paper plates, cream for coffee, sugar, and vegetable oil, as well as a spice rack. “List the items you offer in your amenities so that guests won’t need to bring too much with them.”
Prepare the restroom
Stock up on shampoo, body wash, and conditioner in the bathroom and list those items under amenities, advised Gault. “Put a Forgot Something? sign inside the medicine cabinet. Take it and hold it. Keep deodorant, a toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, and other new, unopened supplies on hand. No one has ever completely depleted our supply; they have only ever taken what they needed.
Give priority to safety
Tolson advised, “First, be sure to thoroughly vet all potential guests in advance.” “This involves both conducting your own background check and reading reviews from prior stays.”
Be aware that, as long as an accurate first and last name and birthdate are provided, Airbnb does perform background checks on visitors prior to their stay.
In case of any damages or accidents that may occur during the stay, it’s always a good idea to understand your insurance coverage, added Tolson. And lastly, make sure to leave detailed instructions for your visitors on how to use any amenities as well as any safety features like fire extinguishers or carbon monoxide detectors in your home. You can contribute to creating a secure and friendly environment for all of your visitors by taking a few straightforward steps.
Set standards for your visitors.
According to Leonard Ang, CEO of iPropertyManagement, “Hosts should absolutely expect guests to keep a rental space reasonably clean, behave appropriately, and keep noise levels down.” “Don’t be afraid to impose limitations on things like parties, alcoholic beverages, or renting to attendees of specific events, like sporting events.”
Always be accessible to your visitors.
As hosts, “expect that you will need to be available to deal with queries and problems at any time of the day,” warned Amy Stride, owner of Oakwood West Holidays and a seasoned Airbnb host. “While some visitors will be completely independent, others will require your constant assistance. An agency or local representative will be needed to handle these if you are renting out your house while travelling. Pricing will need to account for this expense. It’s crucial to think about the possible consequences of being available round-the-clock if you rent out a portion of your house.
Stride advises providing your visitors with as much information as possible in advance to minimise the need for them to get in touch with you while they are away.
Be ready to provide your guests with privacy.
Give contactless check-in and check-out options, suggested Gault. “And be aware that some people will prefer to remain private. Other visitors may strike up a conversation, which we’ve really enjoyed doing. Many come back frequently, and we’ve become friends. However, let further conversation be started by your visitors.