Is my place right for Airbnb?

Whether you have a chic apartment, a countryside cabin or a spare room in your home, there’s likely to be a guest looking for exactly what you offer. The key is creating a comfortable space and setting clear expectations.

Millions of guests search for places to stay on Airbnb every day. They’re planning family holidays, work travel, weekend getaways, temporary relocations – and they have different budgets and preferences.

You don’t need a separate property to succeed. You might offer your primary home while you’re away or a spare room while you’re in town. List over 30 property types, including flats, farms, houses, tiny homes and yurts. 

You can list: 

• An entire place. Guests have the whole place to themselves.
• A room. Guests have their own room in a home, plus access to shared spaces.

Before you start hosting, it’s important to understand how short-term rentals are regulated in your area. Local rules might affect whether you can host, what type of permit you need and what taxes apply. AirCover for Hosts provides top-to-bottom protection every time you host on Airbnb.

To get started, you’ll create a listing. This will include everything guests need to know about your home. Great photos and an accurate description help guests feel confident about booking your place. 

• Consider amenities. Some of the most searched amenities include wifi, a washing machine, free parking, a kitchen and air conditioning. You don’t need all of them, but noting what you have helps guests find your listing.
• Set expectations. Be clear about what you offer to find the right guests for your home. If your place is cosy but compact, say so. Guests appreciate knowing what to expect.
• Showcase your place. Take photos from multiple angles and highlight what makes it unique.
• Price competitively. Airbnb tools can help you attract guests and support your earnings goals.

You can get guidance from a Superhost Ambassador or find a co-host to help with everything from setting up your listing to hosting your home.

There’s a whole community ready to support you. Visit the Community Centre to meet hosts around the world and join a Host Club to connect with local hosts after you publish your listing.

Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.