For years, we’ve helped countless individuals just like you set up their own Airbnb rental properties. Over time, you start to see the same Airbnb hosting mistakes pop up again and again. And, we’ve made our fair share of mistakes ourselves! Luckily, this community is all about learning from each other so we can all build successful, thriving short-term rental businesses.

Table of Contents:

• Common Airbnb Hosting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
  • Mistake #1: Mixing Personal and Airbnb Finances
  • Mistake #2: Not Assembling a Team of Professionals for Your Airbnb Business
  • Mistake #3: Skipping Market Research for Your Airbnb Listing
  • Mistake #4: Ignoring the Power of Airbnb Guest Reviews
  • Mistake #5: Not Defining Clear Goals for your Short-Term Rental
  • Mistake #6: Underestimating Airbnb Expenses
  • Mistake #7: Overlooking the Need for a Backup Cleaner
• Conclusion

Common Airbnb Hosting Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Setting up an Airbnb might seem straightforward at first, but trust me, there’s more to it than snapping a few photos and writing a quick description. One of the biggest Airbnb hosting mistakes we’ve seen is neglecting the financial side of things. This includes things like managing your money correctly to setting yourself up for financial success right from the beginning.

Mistake #1: Mixing Personal and Airbnb Finances

In the early days of my own Airbnb journey, I made the mistake of depositing my Airbnb earnings into my personal account. This might sound convenient, but trust me, it’s a recipe for a headache later on, especially when tax season rolls around.

To avoid this Airbnb hosting mistake, I can’t recommend setting up a separate business bank account enough. It doesn’t have to be complicated; plenty of online options make it a breeze these days. This way, you can track your income and expenses without the stress of trying to untangle your personal spending from your Airbnb finances. You need an account for your Airbnb business, we recommend Relay!

Mistake #2: Not Assembling a Team of Professionals for Your Airbnb Business

Look, hosting on Airbnb can be demanding. You’re not just offering a place to sleep; you’re crafting an experience for your guests. To avoid common Airbnb hosting mistakes and ensure your business runs smoothly, having the right team by your side is absolutely vital.

This includes having a bookkeeper familiar with short-term rental specifics, a CPA well-versed in vacation rentals, a trusted attorney, and an insurance broker specializing in vacation rental properties. Each professional brings their expertise to the table, allowing you to focus on what you do best – hosting.

We have created an Independent Contractor Agreement that covers exactly what you need for some of your team members! You can get it for FREE right here: Airbnb Independent Contractor Agreement

Mistake #3: Skipping Market Research for Your Airbnb Listing

Before you even list your Airbnb, one of the biggest Airbnb hosting mistakes you can make is failing to do your research. And I’m not just talking about glancing at a few other listings. Dive deep into your competition. Check out what similar properties in your area are offering, how much they charge, and how their properties are presented in their photos. Consider factors like local laws and regulations surrounding short-term rentals in your area.

Remember, you’re not alone in the hospitality world. Understanding your competitive landscape is one of the most critical Airbnb hosting mistakes to avoid. Don’t be afraid to get granular with your market research.

Mistake #4: Ignoring the Power of Airbnb Guest Reviews

Speaking of your competition, those guest reviews are pure gold, both the positive and the negative ones. They can tell you a lot about your local market, helping you find ways to stand out from the crowd. What are past guests saying? Are they leaving reviews, and if not, how can you encourage them to leave reviews after their stay?

Are people raving about a particular amenity your competitors don’t have? Maybe they are asking questions about things that should be included in the listing details. There’s your opportunity to add something special to your property, increasing your chances of securing bookings. Remember, guest feedback, including negative reviews, offers invaluable insights. Embrace both to elevate your hosting game.

Hot Tip: Our “Forgot Something Basket” is consistently mentioned in our reviews. We keep this amenity in our property bathrooms just in case guests forgot their lotion, cotton swabs, or hair ties. And, this amenity can be customized to your space. Get our guide for FREE right here: Forgot Something?

Mistake #5: Not Defining Clear Goals for your Short-Term Rental

Whether you’re an empty nest parent renting out a spare room or a seasoned real estate investor with multiple listings, it’s important to set clear, specific, and attainable goals. This not only gives you something tangible to work towards but also helps you stay motivated, especially when those inevitable hosting challenges arise. Do you want to generate passive income, cover your mortgage, or achieve financial freedom through your Airbnb venture?

Having a clear “why” behind your Airbnb venture will help you navigate the ups and downs with resilience and focus. This clarity will also help you tailor your pricing strategy, marketing efforts, and overall hosting approach to attract your ideal guests.

Mistake #6: Underestimating Airbnb Expenses

Let’s face it, running an Airbnb comes with its fair share of expenses, from those little things like replacing toiletries and providing laundry supplies to bigger expenses like furnishing your space or handling unexpected repairs. A lot of first-time hosts fall into the trap of underestimating their expenses. Remember to factor in the cost of priority amenities such as high-quality coffee, memory foam pillows, and mattress toppers that enhance sleep quality.

This can put you in a bind down the line. Be sure to keep track of all costs involved, from garbage bags and dish soap to those unexpected plumbing emergencies, so you’re not taken by surprise. A well-structured budget keeps your Airbnb finances healthy and allows you to reinvest in your property effectively.

One of our “brand standards” at our properties is our coffee bar. We know that our guests love premium coffees and we want to provide all of the accessories they need for their coffee! So, we know that this supply is something we need to take into account and consider.

Mistake #7: Overlooking the Need for a Backup Cleaner

I’ll admit; I learned this Airbnb hosting mistake the hard way. Relying on a single cleaner might seem tempting, especially if you’ve found a true gem. However, this can backfire, leaving you scrambling at the last minute if your trusty cleaner becomes unavailable. What if they go on vacation, experience a family emergency, or decide to change careers?

Trust me; it’s a situation best avoided. Make sure you always have a backup cleaner, fully vetted and ready to step in. This way you won’t find yourself having to choose between cleaning a property yourself and disappointing guests, two choices I’d rather not face. A backup cleaner provides peace of mind and ensures a consistently clean and welcoming space for your guests.

Hot Tip: We’re all about saving time and being efficient with our Airbnb business. This is why we use Breezeway to track our cleanings! Our cleaning teams can easily check off each clean and confirm that all checklist items are complete!

Airbnb Hosting Mistakes: A Thing of the Past!

We want to empower you to jump into your Airbnb hosting journey with confidence. Remember, it’s a learning process for all of us. Building a successful Airbnb takes time, dedication, and a dash of trial and error. Familiarize yourself with the Airbnb platform and its policies, such as their privacy policy. Research local laws, obtain any necessary permits, and set up your listing with accurate and appealing information.

By learning from other hosts’ mistakes (including some of ours!), and embracing best practices, you’re putting yourself in a stronger position to provide an amazing guest experience. The good news? There are resources and communities, online and in person, ready to support you along the way. The journey might have its bumps, but the rewards, both financial and personal, make it incredibly worth it.

Ready To Start Your Airbnb Business? Let us help!

Our Hosting Handbook is our play by play guide for short term rental hosts. This course has everything you need to confidently and efficiently begin your Airbnb business. Check it out right here!

TFV Trusted Airbnb Tool: Breezeway

We absolutely love using Breezeway in our Airbnb business—it’s been a game-changer for keeping everything running smoothly. We’re excited to share this fantastic tool with our audience and hope it helps you as much as it’s helped us! Click here to learn more.