According to Airbnb, there are at least four Airbnb host requirements that are considered a basic standard, as well as five other desirable attributes to help you get great reviews. This page not only outlines these requirements and attributes but also discusses some tips on how to achieve these successfully as an Airbnb host.
Responsiveness
Being responsive to booking inquiries and reservation requests is not only one of the key Airbnb host requirements but also an essential part of the success of your short term rental business, giving guests a positive impression and your listing a good reputation. Being an Airbnb host really is a business and thinking of it in those terms will help you to stay on top of responding promptly. Airbnb asks that hosts respond to guest and potential guest messages within 24 hours, which is generally standard in the business world. We would suggest that an even quicker response time will enhance guest satisfaction.
Accepting Reservation Requests
If the calendar on your listing shows that your property is available for rent, make sure that it is! This Airbnb host requirement means keeping on top of any blackout dates when your property is unavailable by using the available settings on your listing calendar. Many hosts are unsure of their schedule many months away, so dates far into the future should remain blocked off, as well as any tentative dates that your property may not be free. You can always remove blackout dates as your schedule is confirmed. We also recommend keeping a close eye on reservations as they come in to block out any days you need for cleaning.
Avoid Cancellations
Imagine making a reservation at a hotel for your long-awaited vacation and they cancel on you! Whether your guests are on holiday or taking a business trip, they expect their short term rental to be as secure as a hotel reservation. Scrambling to find other accommodation at the last minute is the last thing your guest expects or deserves. This is one of the important Airbnb host requirements and Airbnb takes cancellations seriously enough to impose financial penalties. There are a few exceptions in the case of unforeseen circumstances beyond your control. Specific circumstances covered can be found on Airbnb’s site here.
Get Positive Reviews
Sticking to the above Airbnb host requirements covers the basics but getting positive reviews from your guests often requires you to go above and beyond these. Since guests don’t have the opportunity to meet you or check out your property prior to making their reservations, it wouldn’t be exaggerating to say that positive reviews are the life of your business as an Airbnb host. Airbnb also asks hosts to make guest reviews to ensure undesirable guests who repeatedly cause problems get weeded out of the system. This also helps protect hosts from malicious reviews by repeat offenders.
Airbnb Host Attributes for Positive Guest Reviews
Cleanliness
The cleanliness of your property is one of the components that your listing will be rated on by guests. Airbnb imposes penalties for consistently low cleanliness ratings, so you may want to consider this to be one of the Airbnb host requirements. Making sure there is enough time between reservations to clean and turn over your property with fresh towels and linens is key. Airbnb recommends adding a cleaning fee for guests to cover the cost of cleaning supplies or professional cleaners. If you’re hiring third party cleaners, make sure they will be available during the window you have between reservations!
Provide Amenities
While not technically one of the Airbnb host requirements, there are some amenities that Airbnb considers to be essential items for guests. These include toilet paper, soap, linens/sheets, at least one towel per guest, and at least one pillow per guest. We would suggest that going above and beyond in this area will go a long way in garnering some rave reviews. Shampoos and conditioners, moisturizers, paper towels, extra blankets and pillows, coffee and tea, basic kitchen utensils and cooking items such as oil, salt, and sugar are some simple items that give guests a great impression!
Accurate Listings
While a listing is created to make a positive first impression, it also needs to be a true representation of the reality. Guests will rate the accuracy of your listing as part of their review, so this is another important aspect of developing a positive reputation in the short term rental market. Provide accurate information and details about the property and stay on top of your listing to make sure any changes are updated promptly. Nightly rates and fees should be modified regularly based on the market and updated on your listing and amenities should be listed so guests know what to expect.
Simple Check-In Process
Guests will be asked to rate their check-in experience when making their reviews. Whether you will meet your guests in person or set up a self-check-in process, it is important to make sure guests have all the information they need to find their way to the property, know where to park, and how to get in contact with you if last minute changes or needs arise. If meeting them in person, make sure you have coordinated a time and place to meet. For self-check-in, ensure all details of the process are clear and straightforward. Airbnb provides several resources for providing this information.
Guest Support
Being available for guests during their stay is key to the hospitality portion of your short term rental business. Just like a guest staying at a hotel has access to the front desk and concierge, accessibility to the Airbnb host is equally important for your guests. Whether their needs are for information about the property, its amenities, or the area, or to request a response to an issue, providing guest support is essential to guest satisfaction and positive reviews. Airbnb asks guests to rate your listing based on the clarity and communication, so staying proactive in your communications is highly recommended!
With such high standards of Airbnb host requirements, it isn’t a bad idea to get yourself some Airbnb host support. This may come in the form of a friend who can fill in for guest support while you are out of town, hiring third party housekeeping professionals for cleaning between guests, to partnering with a full-service Airbnb management company.
When you partner with a full-service, experienced Airbnb management company like Speed Keyz, you benefit in many ways. The experience and expertise of a quality company is likely to raise your listing to higher standards, increasing exposure and positive reputation and thereby bringing you higher financial returns.
With professional market research and marketing techniques, Speed Keyz can increase your revenue while freeing up your time and releasing you from the stresses of all the Airbnb host requirements! We not only manage the day-to-day management of your Airbnb rental including listing management, property care, and guest services, we can also set up your entire property or help you to do it according to our previous models of success and based on your market area.
