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There are some common mistakes that are easy to make if you are a first-time Airbnb host and they can result in all sorts of negative consequences

Operating Illegally – Make sure you follow government regulations When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it’s important for you to understand how the laws work in your city.Some cities have laws that restrict your ability to host paying guests for short periods. These laws are often part of a city’s zoning or administrative codes. In many cities, you must register, get a permit, or obtain a license before you list your property or accept guests. Certain types of short-term bookings may be prohibited altogether. Local governments vary greatly in how they enforce these laws. Penalties may include fines or other enforcement.

Using Bad Pictures – Many hosts, keen to get their business up and running as soon as possible, make the mistake of pulling out their smartphones, taking some happy snaps, and posting them on the internet as part of their Airbnb listing. We can’t stress enough the importance of outstanding photography as a way of ‘selling’ your Airbnb as a destination. Poor lighting, bad angles and unprofessional compositions are not going to do you any favours. You also need to think about what you’re taking photos of….are there any strange items that should be removed from the photo before you press the button? (Like your neighbour’s cat or a towel hanging over a door?)

Using fixed pricing- You might think it’s a good idea to lock in a nightly rate for your Airbnb after checking the rates of your competitors but did you know that many hosts use flexible pricing to entice guests to book during the low season? This also works to your advantage during popular travel times like Christmas and the Summer holidays as you will be able to earn more money/increase your rates in relation to the season. Don’t be afraid to go in and change your prices throughout the year and always keep an eye on your competitors.

Embracing Traveller Diversity – Be open to the idea of travellers from different backgrounds. Whether you’re assuming that they would treat your home like you’d treat their home…or whether you’re assuming their level of English is good enough to understand your house rules. Never assume. Always go above and beyond when it comes to setting expectations, writing simple and clear house rules, and making sure you do your best to understand the needs of your guests.

Bad Communication with guests- Replying to emails in a timely manner. Making sure you address all of your guests’ questions. It might seem like simple stuff but it’s amazing how many hosts let the team down when it comes to communication. This can lead to confusion, unhappy guests and inevitably negative reviews. Try to be clear in all of your communication – especially when it comes to writing the directions/giving advice about public transportation options for your Airbnb.

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