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 A before and after checklist

What to do to start:

  • Check Airbnb's page about your city. Airbnb has made arrangements with many localities to collect and pay short-term rental taxes for you. You'll find a listing here where you can drill down to your city. However, there may be other permit or licensing fees in your city that you are responsible for: check your city's web site for "Short Term Rental" to uncover these.
  • Decide how you're going to track Hosting expenses and income. Airbnb Hosting means additional revenue - and expenses. From stocking your bathrooms with toilet paper to installing a keyless lock, these are all business expenses that need to be documented for both tax purposes and so you can track your pre-tax profits. FreshBooks online accounting system offers a Lite Plan that covers pretty much everything you need in this department.
  • Getting your Landlord's Approval. Most rental agreements require you to get your landlord's approval in order to do short-term rentals. Letulet crafts a proposal for you, setting the percentage of your Airbnb revenue you'll share with your landlord, in exchange for their permission. For more info how Letulet works, click here.
  • Define your House Rules. Setting forth clear, simple House Rules for noise, parking, and use of shared facilities like pools in both your listing and Welcome Airbnb Guests pack will prevent misunderstandings and problems. Letulet can help you define these House Rules and get your landlord's approval for them up front.

What to do before you list on Airbnb:

  • Time to  declutter! Take a systematic approach to decluttering your apartment is probably one of the first steps you want to take prepping for your first Aibnb Guest.
  • Pick one of your closets, put a lock on it and use it to store valuables you do not want to share with your guests.
  • Decide if you are going to clean your apartment or hire a service. Airbnb Guests expect a very high level of cleanliness: services like MaidThis can ensure your Apartment is always clean. Also, don't forget to add to your rate the average cleaning fee. Try them out before taking your Listing Photos.
  • Decide how you want to present your listing: DIY photos or get a professional. We recommend getting a professional and letting Airbnb pay that professional photographer out of your future Airbnb earnings. You can learn about how this works here.
  • Manage Guest Expectations: It's important not to overpromise in your listing. "Panoramic City Views" isn't views of the adjoining apartment build. Be frank, let guests know what they are getting for their money before they reserve on Airbnb.
  • Decide what your calendar settings are going to be. Access your calendar's settings in Airbnb here. This is where you set minimum and maximum stay lengths, when guests can arrive, and more.
  • Set your actual calendar availability for say the next three months. You can do that here. Keep in mind any holidays or other periods that will require special handling. This is where you set your nightly prices.
  • Sync Airbnb's calendar with your calendar. You definitely want to make sure you're reminded of each and every Guest booking. There's a number of ways of doing this, depending on what calendaring software you use.
  • Decide how Guests will check in. An analog lockbox? You personally greeting each Guest? Or changing to a keyless door lock you can set and reset for each Guest?
  • Stock in essentials. Items like Toilet paper, boxes of tissues, and for Guests who forgot, toothbrushes and toothpaste.
  • Remove any prescription (or non-prescription) medications. These have no place in an Airbnb stay.
  • Buy a basic First Aid Kit, and find a prominent place in your apartment for it.
  • Leave your Guests your phone number and email in case they need to get ahold of you.

Making your apartment the perfect Airbnb space:

Consider the following nice touches to add to your apartment:
  • Matching towels for the bathroom "upgrades" your Guest's experience.
  • A simple suitcase stand in the bedroom makes it easier for guests to unpack.
  • Make your bed ultra inviting and comfortable with a pillowtop mattress topper.
  • Make available bottled water and snacks for your Guests, and buy these items in bulk.
  • Create a packet of brochures from nearby restaurants for your guests.
  • Clear written WiFi and tv instructions are a must! Creating a step-by-step instruction guide with photos explaining exactly how to use your television and cable-box/satellite system will save you from a negative rating.
  • Be sure to add parental controls to your paid video services to avoid nasty surprises.
  • Clear one or more shelves in your refrigerator for the use of Guests.
  • If you are listing as a pet-friendly accommodation, make sure you have dog or cat treats, a map for best dog walks, guest water bowl and anything else you think will make your Guests' pet feel at home.
  • The same thing goes if your listing is for parents with children. Have board games, toys and books for them as well. Make sure your apartment is child-safe or baby-safe if you are listing it as such.

What to do after each Airbnb stay:

  • Check your apartment both for things your guests may have left, and for things they may have taken.
  • Send them a personal note, asking how did they enjoy their stay, and if they would favorably rate your apartment on Airbnb.
  • Restock consumables like toilet and tissue paper, bottled water, etc.
  • Give your apartment a cleaning or have in your professional cleaners.

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