Or perhaps the title should be not renting it to the wrong people!
This article was written by a property owner who rents his places out to tourists. As you’ll see, he’s quite focused on working with AirBNB, and he has been able to build a solid reputation on the platform.
Here’s what he told us:
- Price strategically. We deliberately make our property slightly more expensive on Booking.com and slightly cheaper on Airbnb. The reason is simple: Airbnb allows hosts to see a guest’s review history, whereas Booking.com provides very little background information. We’d much rather encourage bookings through the platform that gives us more confidence.
- Turn off Instant Book. We don’t allow automatic bookings. Every reservation starts with a conversation, giving us the chance to get a feel for the guest before accepting.
- Require a proven track record. If someone is making their very first Airbnb booking and has no previous host reviews, we politely decline. We ask that guests have at least one positive five-star review from another host before booking with us.
- Read the reviews carefully. Any history of smoking where it wasn’t allowed, damaging property, ignoring house rules, or receiving poor feedback from previous hosts is an immediate decline. Past behaviour is often the best predictor of future behaviour.
- Set expectations early. During our initial conversation we explain that ours is a quiet holiday rental. If guests are looking for somewhere to play loud music, host parties, or create a lively atmosphere around the pool, we explain that our property simply isn’t the right fit.
Mention the cats, even if there are none! During our conversation with prospective guests, we explain that there are sometimes a few cats around the grounds. Make it crystal that they do not enter the property so you wont deter someone with a fur allergy. Explain they’re generally very friendly, keep themselves to themselves, and are no bother at all. We simply say that if someone really doesn’t like animals, then our property probably isn’t the right fit for them.
If you hear the words ‘Oh we dont like animals’… Decline without hesitation!!! Its the best filter of the lot!!!
