
Renting out a spare bedroom on Airbnb can be a great way to earn some extra income. It is less stressful than renting out an entire property, and you get to enjoy the benefits of extra cash while still living in your own home. However, there are a few things you should consider before listing your spare room. Firstly, check your insurance and upgrade it if necessary. Secondly, ensure your room has all the necessary amenities, such as a door lock, a secure environment, a TV, extra pillows and blankets, and cups or plasticware. You should also decide whether to offer closet space and whether the bathroom will be private or shared. Finally, be clear in your listing about what amenities your room has and doesn't have, and set your price accordingly.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Income | $16,000 per year, or $3650 per year (median) |
Time Commitment | Flexible, from a few nights a month to once a year |
Guest Interaction | Flexible, from messaging only to in-person meetings |
Amenities | Fresh towels, flowers, local area guides, toiletries, kitchen access, etc. |
Safety | Guest identity verification, reservation screening, $3M damage protection, $1M liability insurance |
Insurance | Dedicated short-term rental insurance to cover personal liability, buildings, contents, commercial business liability, and business income |
Locks | Traditional lock and key, or electronic keypad with a key code |
Security | Safe box for guest valuables, blinds or blackout curtains, solid door |
Furniture | Bed, closet space, smart TV, dual USB charging station, cups, plates, cutlery, coffee maker, etc. |
Memorable Touches | Local decorations, sweet treats, colourful throw blanket |
Listing Details | Breakfast included, private/shared bathroom, closet space, maximum occupancy, cooking facilities, etc. |
Business Traveller Amenities | Small desk, WiFi, free breakfast |
House Rules | Quiet hours, smoking rules, check-in and check-out times, maximum occupancy, shared space usage |
What You'll Learn
Make your Airbnb bedroom memorable
The bedroom is where your guests will rest and recharge after a long day of exploring, so it's important to make it memorable. Here are some tips to achieve that:
- Statement pieces: Adding statement pieces such as a headboard or unique bedside tables can give the room character and also increase storage space.
- Lighting: Ensure there are good lighting options, such as bedside lamps or string lights to enhance the ambiance.
- Colour scheme: Choose a colour scheme that complements the location and theme of your property. For instance, sandy beige tones or white palettes for a beach apartment, or neutral, subtle colours for an urban haven.
- Local artwork: Incorporate local artwork, furniture or textiles to give your guests a taste of what makes your location unique.
- Bedding: Opt for high-quality, natural fibre sheets in harmonious colours. All-white sheets can give a high-end hotel look and can be bleached if needed.
- Comfort: Ensure the bed is super comfortable, from the mattress to the sheets and everything in between. A bad bed experience could take your Airbnb from a 5-star review to a 1-star review.
- Mirrors: Mirrors can make a space feel larger, and guests will appreciate a full-length mirror for getting ready.
- Nightstands: Include nightstands or small tables on both sides of the bed, with reading lights and phone chargers.
- Storage: Provide guests with a place to store their clothes, such as an empty closet, dressers or a freestanding clothing rack.
- Blackout curtains: Install blackout curtains to block out early morning sunlight, allowing your guests a restful sleep.
- Rugs: Include rugs in each room to make the space feel finished and hide old or stained carpet.
- Decorative objects: Choose 1-3 fun decorative objects to place on dressers, nightstands or end tables to make the room feel designed with intention.
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Get the correct insurance
Before you start hosting on Airbnb, it's important to review your insurance policy. Most insurers don't provide cover for paying guests, and having paying guests stay in your home may invalidate your policy altogether. Therefore, it's crucial to inform your home insurer of your plans to rent out a room on Airbnb. They may increase your cost of cover or introduce certain exclusions, such as theft of possessions.
Airbnb does offer its own protection for hosts, called AirCover for Hosts. This includes Host Damage Protection, which provides up to $3 million in coverage if your place or belongings are damaged by a guest, and Host Liability Insurance, which provides up to $1 million in coverage if you are found legally responsible for a guest getting hurt or their belongings being damaged or stolen. However, this insurance does not cover damage to your property or belongings caused by a guest, so it is not a substitute for your own personal insurance policy.
In addition to checking with your insurer, it's worth considering specialist home-sharing insurers, such as Guardhog, to ensure your home is fully protected.
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Provide a door lock
Providing a secure door lock for your Airbnb guests is essential for their peace of mind and yours. Here are some tips to consider when choosing a door lock for your spare bedroom:
First, consider installing a smart lock. Smart locks are compatible with the Airbnb app and can be managed remotely. They allow you to send unique door codes to your guests automatically, which can be set to be active only during their stay. This eliminates the need for physical key exchanges and provides a more seamless check-in experience. Smart locks also enable you to receive notifications when guests arrive, view their door codes, and adjust the code activation period. Additionally, you can set separate codes for yourself, co-hosts, and cleaners. Smart locks generally start at $250 and are easy to install.
If a smart lock is not an option, you can consider installing a traditional lock with a keypad or a touchscreen. This will allow guests to enter a unique code to access their room. Ensure that the code is changed between guests for security reasons.
Another option is to provide guests with physical keys. This method may be more suitable if you are comfortable meeting your guests in person to exchange keys. However, it is essential to have a system for securely storing the keys when guests are not present, as losing keys can be a security risk and an inconvenience.
Finally, consider adding a lock to the door that connects your living space to the Airbnb room. This will provide an extra layer of security and privacy for both you and your guests.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your guests have a secure and private stay, which will contribute to a positive overall experience.
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Outfit your spare bedroom with the correct items
The bedroom is the centerpiece of any luxury hotel room. A terrible mattress, lumpy pillows, or itchy bedding can lead to a poor night's sleep and ruin a guest's stay. So, it's important to invest in clean and quality beds and bedding. Here are some essential items you should include in your Airbnb bedroom:
- Bed linens and pillows (2 per person)
- An air conditioner, heater, and/or fan
- A bedside table and lamp
- A dresser, closet and/or shelves
- Hangers (for shirts, pants, and skirts)
- Shades for privacy and blocking morning light
- A TV (with streaming services like Netflix or Apple TV)
- Extra linens, blankets, and pillows
You can also add some luxury items to pamper your guests, such as:
- Spa-quality toiletries
- A magnifying makeup mirror
- A hairdryer
- A rain shower or massage shower head
In addition to the bedroom, you'll also need to outfit the bathroom, kitchen, and any common areas, such as a living room. Here are some essential items for these spaces:
Bathroom:
- Body soap/shower gel
- Toothpaste and toothbrushes (disposable)
- Toilet paper
- Air freshener/potpourri
- A shower rack for toiletries
Kitchen:
- Coffee and tea essentials
- An electric water kettle
- Sharp, quality knives
- Pots and pans of various sizes
- Cups, mugs, and dishes
- A refrigerator and freezer
- Basic cleaning supplies (sponges, soap, etc.)
Common areas:
- A coffee table or end tables
- A TV with streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc.)
- Games, books, and magazines
- Plants, art, and local decor
Remember, the key to a successful Airbnb is to provide a unique and memorable guest experience. So, take the time to outfit your spare bedroom and other spaces with the correct items, and don't be afraid to add some special touches to make your guests feel at home.
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Greet your guests
Greeting your guests is an important part of being an Airbnb host. Here are some tips to make your guests feel welcome and ensure their stay gets off to a great start:
First Impressions
A warm welcome is key to making your guests feel at ease. A simple, friendly greeting can set the tone for the entire stay. Be sure to introduce yourself and offer a handshake or a friendly wave. If you want to go the extra mile, consider offering a small gift, such as a bottle of wine or a sweet treat, to make your guests feel special.
The Grand Tour
Once your guests have arrived and settled in, it's a good idea to give them a tour of the space. Show them around the shared areas, explaining what they have access to and what areas are off-limits. Be sure to highlight any house rules or expectations early on to avoid any confusion or misunderstandings later. This includes explaining quiet hours, smoking rules, and check-in/check-out times.
Practical Information
In addition to the house rules, your guests will also need some practical information to navigate their stay. Point them towards the nearest bathroom and show them where towels and toiletries are located. If they have access to the kitchen, let them know where they can find cups, plates, and utensils. If there are any unique features or quirks about your home that they should be aware of, now is the time to mention them.
Local Recommendations
As a local expert, your guests may look to you for recommendations on what to do and see in the area. Prepare a list of your favourite spots, including restaurants, cafes, parks, or attractions. You could also suggest some hidden gems or lesser-known spots that only locals know about. Providing a list of emergency contacts and useful services, such as nearby grocery stores or pharmacies, is also a good idea.
Be Available
Lastly, make sure your guests know how to reach you if they have any questions or concerns during their stay. Provide your contact information and let them know the best way to get in touch. It's a good idea to check in with your guests periodically to see if they need anything, but also respect their privacy and give them space to relax and enjoy their stay.
Remember, the key to successful hosting is clear communication and creating a warm and welcoming environment for your guests.
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Frequently asked questions
It's a great way to make some extra money, meet new people, and learn about different walks of life.
You should check if Airbnb-ing is legal in your area, and if it is, make sure you have the right insurance. You should also be prepared to put in the time and effort to keep your space clean and tidy, and to respond to messages and requests from guests.
You can add personal touches like fresh flowers or a sweet treat from a local bakery. You can also provide amenities such as a TV, Netflix or Hulu, a coffee maker, extra pillows and blankets, and toiletries.