Airbnb Host Checklist: Ten Things You Need to Run a Successful Short Stay Rental

Since its inception in 2007, the number of Airbnb hosts across the planet has risen to more than five million.

And millions more have probably thought about giving it a go at some point. But what does it actually take to be successful on the Airbnb platform and cash in on those high rental returns we read so much about? Read on!

Here’s a handy checklist for potential Airbnb hosts of the ten things you need to run a successful short stay rental.

1. A well-located and presented property

There are number of factors that will determine your success as a host, and one of them is, of course, the property itself. But you don’t have to be letting out a luxury penthouse to do well on Airbnb. You just need to work out where your property sits in the short stay universe and how best to maximise its strengths. Location is a big one, but here it’s worth looking beyond the obvious. For example, you may not be situated close to the city centre, but is there a facility like a hospital or sports venue nearby that may yield a continuous stream of guests? If so, make that the focus of your Airbnb strategy, rather than trying to attract short break guests who want to spend their time in the CBD.

Now is also the time to start thinking about how you want to present your property, because homes with a clearly defined theme tend to stand out and work best on Airbnb. What look do you intend to go for? Super stylish? Cute and quirky? Vintage vibes? Functional minimalist? Give it some thought, and consider bringing in a stylist to help you hone the look and feel of each room from a design standpoint.

2. Good quality furnishings and fittings

With a steady stream of travellers coming and going, the stress on your furnishings, fittings, and fixtures is likely to be significant. So, you’ll want to ensure that everything you put in your property is up to the rigours of the job. Quality sheets, pillows, doonas, and towels will impress your guests and last for much longer than their cheaper cousins. In the kitchen, choose robust cookware and high-use appliances (like kettles and toasters). If you opt for low-cost options to save money, you’ll likely end up replacing them multiple times — costing you much more in the long run.

3. A competitive pricing strategy

Developing an effective pricing strategy is essential for any new Airbnb host, and research is the key here. Search for similar properties in your area and note the style of property, the price they charge, and the reviews they’ve received. Work out where your property sits on the spectrum and price it accordingly. You’ll also need to factor in your costs (such as mortgage repayments, rates, utilities, and insurance) to achieve a healthy and sustainable bottom line. Dynamic pricing — where you charge more during peak periods — is also an important consideration. If you want to automate that process, Airbnb offers a Smart Pricing tool. However, ‘set and forget’ isn’t advisable, especially for hosts just starting out. You’ll want to be hands-on and monitor the rate suggested by the platform to ensure it meets your fiscal requirements.

4. A well written and accurate listing

Your Airbnb listing is your first point of contact with potential guests, and as always, first impressions count! When sitting down to draft your listing, take inspiration from the top performing properties you researched earlier but make it your own and let your property’s personality shine through in the text. The title is hugely important and should include one or two of the home’s strongest attributes. Fifty characters is the maximum for an Airbnb title, so you’ll need to use them wisely!

Down in the body of your listing, share more information about those key features, alongside the basics most guests will want to know about — number and configuration of bedrooms, number of bathrooms, what parking is available etc. Provide details of any special add-ons you plan to provide (such as a welcome pack or breakfast basket), and cover proximity to transport, ease of access to local bars and restaurants, and what attractions are located nearby.

All of that said, accuracy is important; don’t oversell the property and risk negative reviews when disappointed guests check out.

5. Great photos

‘A picture says a thousand words’, as the saying goes, so make sure that the photos of your property on Airbnb speak volumes. Opt for images shot with a wide-angle lens that depict clutter-free interiors bathed in natural light. Balance the wide room shots with some close-ups of key details (perhaps a piece of art or a vase of fresh flowers). If you’re not confident of taking the photos yourself, consider hiring a photographer on a gig economy website like Fiverr of Airtasker. They’ll likely include colour correction in the price.

6. Clear communication and fast response times

Right from the start of your Airbnb journey, it’s worth getting into the habit of responding to guest queries quickly and clearly. Be courteous, avoid overly complex or flowery responses, and address questions or concerns promptly. If you exude a sense of efficiency from the get-go, potential guests will be far more likely to book your property. It will also set them up for a positive stay, and mention of your efficient communication will likely find its way into their review.

7. Ease of guest access

We mentioned the importance of first impressions earlier, and that principle continues right up to the moment your guests walk through the door. Ensure that the process for them to access the property is seamless and stress-free. Ideally meet them yourself, hand over the keys, and provide a quick introduction to the home. Keep things brief and don’t overstay your welcome. If it’s not possible for you to ‘meet-and-greet’, arrange self-access via a key safe or keypad and provide the code in a welcome text. You’ll also want to produce a written guide to leave in the property that answers any curly questions — including how to use the TV remote! Add an appendix of useful information, such as a map of the area, transport timetables, food delivery service contact details, and brochures for local attractions.

8. A list of reliable trades

Fingers crossed you won’t need it often, but having a list of trusted tradespeople at your fingertips is essential when running an Airbnb. Blocked toilets, flooded bathrooms, faulty hot water systems, burnt out fuse boxes, and of course, lost keys are all potential problems that will need to be rectified by a qualified professional. Whether it’s a Sydney sparky or Port Macquarie plumber, who you gonna call? Reach for that contact list!

9. A robust cleaning regime

Up there with location in terms of importance is the cleanliness of your property. Nothing will ruin a short stay business faster than reviews suggesting that the home wasn’t spotless when guests checked in. As an Airbnb host you have to adopt a cleaning mantra that goes above and beyond the norm, and doing it yourself is obviously the best way to ensure no corners are cut. But if that’s not possible, always review the work of the cleaners you employ to ensure it meets the high bar you have set. Cleaning an Airbnb is also more than simply wiping down the bathroom, changing the sheets and vacuuming the floor. Handles, knobs, and light switches should be wiped down so they feel clean to touch, as should dining chairs and tables. Greasy kitchen appliances, dusty shelves, and a build-up of grime behind furniture and under beds should all be avoided.

10. Attention to detail

Everything we’ve discussed so far comes together in this final point. What will set you apart from other short stay operators is your attention to detail. From design and choice of furnishings to cleaning and property maintenance, those with an eye for the finer details will always come out on top. If detail isn’t your strongest suit, recognise that fact and try to compensate for it. Consider every aspect of your guest’s stay and strive to make it special in some way, shape, or form. Your efforts will be recognised and success awaits you.

This post was published thanks to Enjoy Plumbing.

Do you have any suggestions to add to our Airbnb host checklist? We would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment below.

Additional images: Depositphotos and Envato