As Airbnb is a community built on reviews, you won’t get far if you don’t maintain certain standards as a host. Successful (and lucrative) hosting involves creating the right conditions for responsible guests, and as a host, acting responsibly should any issues arise. That responsibility extends to the wider community, and you will not be long hearing about it if disruptive guests disrupt your neighbours. Here’s some tips to avoid any Airbnb nightmares!

Vet Your Guests:

Irresponsible guests are not commonplace, but hosting ones that are is in nobody’s interest. They bother your neighbours, they wreak havoc on your property and they generally cost more money and create more hassle than they’re worth. Houst avoid these type of guests at all costs by taking full advantage of the vetting options available on Airbnb.

If guests do not have previous good reviews, you should ask them to complete the verification steps on their profile (which includes uploading a government ID). Also, does their story check out? Don’t be afraid to ask them for a bit more detail about their trip. And remember the golden rule: If there is any doubt as to their intentions or their authenticity, then just kindly decline the booking.

Write and Read Reviews:

Guest and host reviews are the most important indicator of whether you are going to have a positive or negative experience on Airbnb. It is your prerogative as a host to both read a guest’s reviews before you accept a booking request, and then to write reviews for your guests when they leave. The more reviews that are in circulation, the easier it will be to build a responsible Airbnb community. (Note: Guests will also review you as a host.)

Rules + Minimum Bookings:

Home rules can be written into your listing, and a guest must agree to these rules before they complete their booking. There are some standard rules that Airbnb suggest such as No Parties; No Smoking; No Pets, but then you also have the opportunity to add more bespoke advice. Please don’t congregate in the foyer, or Loud music after 8pm keeps our young neighbours awake, provide helpful advice for visiting guests. You can also leave signs or notes at the property as a gentle reminder.

Deposits, Host Guarantee + Insurance:

Even with the most respectable guests, accidents can happen. The best tip is to try to avoid leaving anything of significant monetary or sentimental value at the property. To prevent against any losses, you can then write a security deposit into your listing. Airbnb’s own Host Guarantee also covers losses up to €800,000. However, it is important to make claims quickly as Airbnb generally won’t uphold that claim once the next guest has checked in or once two weeks have passed.

A word of caution: the host guarantee doesn’t extend to third party bookings made for personal travel, even if made by a family member or friend. And it can be prudent to take out additional insurance designed especially for the sharing economy. GUARDHOG is our provider of choice.

Maintenance + Emergency Contacts

Being prepared is the best way to stay calm and react quickly should any issues arise. Make a list of contractors or building maintenance companies that you can call on should you need any quick fixes for your guests. It can be useful to contact them in advance to get an idea of their general availability and pricing (including seasonal / weekend / late night pricing). Leave helpful instructions for guests. Make sure your boiler is serviced and your radiators bled before Autumn. And provide reliable contact information for guests should anything arise, including alternative emergency contact information if you are going to be out of town.

Talk to Your Neighbours!

If you have a good relationship with your neighbours, it can certainly be worth mentioning to them that you are opening your home to visiting guests. Show them your listing and explain to them the steps you are taking to be a responsible host. Reassure them that you do not want your Airbnb to cause disruption to them, check in with them every now and again, and welcome their ongoing feedback. Make sure that they have a contact number for you too, or an emergency contact if you are going to be out of town.

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