Airbnb advice and tips for hosts – how to rent out your room, house or flat to make money
ORDINARY Brits can make hundreds of pounds a month by renting out a spare room on Airbnb.
But how does the process work, and are what are the risks involved with letting a stranger into your home? Here's what you need to know...
How do you rent out your room on Airbnb?
To rent out your room on Airbnb, you simply and create a listing.
Take a few pictures of your room, flat or house, upload them onto the website, and pick a nightly price.
We suggest having a look at some similar places in your area, to get an idea of what's reasonable.
You can set the availability and house rules for your listing - as well as telling your future guests any essential information.
If a tourist likes the look of your listing, they will ask to reserve your room or property.
You can then confirm or deny their request, and message your guest through the Airbnb app or website to set up exchanging keys and other admin.
Airbnb is a rating based app, so it's in your interest to make sure your guests have a good time.
Check out The Sun's guide to travelling with Airbnb.
How does being an Airbnb host work?
As a host, it's completely up to you what level of service you provide.
Nearly all hosts will clean before arrival and provide the essentials - i.e. clean sheets, towels and toilet paper.
Not doing so could see you getting a bad rating - which could put others off booking with you.
Some hosts opt to go the extra mile, providing breakfast included and spending time getting to know their guests and giving recommendations.
However, this is completely optional.
If you're seeking inspiration, these are some of the quirkiest properties on Airbnb - and the top 10 London locations to be a host.
How will I be paid for my Airbnb listing?
Your guests will pay Airbnb before they arrive. The company take a three per cent cut and then pay you through Paypal, bank deposit or international money wire.
You will be paid within 24 hours of your guest checking in. It is free to create a listing on Airbnb.
Is it risky to put your home on Airbnb?
Airbnb is a huge company, with 2 million listings currently live, and they are keen to protect their clients.
The company insure your home for up to £600,000 of accidental damage, as well as protecting you from other guest damage and if your visitor gets hurt in your home.
The cover is added automatically, and hosts pay nothing to sign up.
Like hosts, guests are reviewed after every trip - meaning it's easy to weed out any troublesome customers.
Am I allowed to list my home on Airbnb?
If you rent your home, you should seek written permission from your landlord before putting your property on Airbnb.
If you sublet your home without permission, you will be - and could be kicked out.
If you are a council tenant, or live in an ex-council property, there may be rules preventing you from renting on Airbnb.
Southwark Council recently cracked down on this type of Airbnb listings in Peckham, South London.
“As far as we are concerned our homes are homes, not hotels,” said Southwark councillor Stephanie Cryan.
“We want people in our council homes and on our council estates who are a part of the community, not visitors passing through.”
While London-based Airbnb hosts are now only allowed to rent whole properties out for 90 days a year, in a bid to curb the capital's housing crisis - and free up accommodation for local people.
Do I have to pay tax on the money I earn through Airbnb?
Yes, you should be declaring any earnings - including those made through Airbnb - to the taxman.
If Airbnb lets are your only source of income, and you make less than £11,500, you may not have to pay any tax on the rent.
But you do still have to declare your earnings by filling out the necessary forms.
HMRC have introduced a new computer system to help them crack down on those who aren't declaring their extra income - and you could be fined, meaning it's not worth taking the risk.
However, rules for online marketplace sellers mean you can earn up to £2,000 on your home without having to declare anything to the taxman.
