Airbnb Host Requirements: An Introduction

Becoming an Airbnb host is a great idea if you want to get into the hospitality industry or if you want to make some extra cash on the side. If you have a room you are not using, it’s also a great way to meet people who are traveling around. 

If you’re considering becoming an Airbnb host, but need to know all of the Airbnb host requirements, this guide will give you all the tips and tricks to make your business a success and will allow you to get a head start in your Airbnb journey. 

Why Become an Airbnb Host?

Becoming an Airbnb host is a big responsibility, but the best way to ensure that you do well at your newfound venture is to do all the right things to get a good guest review. Once you have a reputation for being a good host, the bookings will come flying in. If you have some spare space that you’re not using or you want to make some extra money, Airbnb may be the perfect solution for you. Some of the key benefits of becoming an Airbnb host include: 
 

• Financial freedom
• Meeting new people
• Running your own business
• Utilizing extra space
• Getting into the hospitality industry

What Does Hosting on Airbnb Entail?

Many people think that becoming an Airbnb host is just a way to make quick and easy money. Although the prospect does allow you to harness opportunities for newfound financial freedom, there are some steps you have to take to ensure that your business thrives. 

Essential Airbnb Host Requirements

There are some essential Airbnb host requirements you have to follow in order to ensure you get the most out of your guests and out of your hosting experience. The key thing to keep in mind is that it is your job to provide a safe and comfortable space for your guests during their stay. 

However, there are also some essential Airbnb host requirements you have to have in place before you can list your property on Airbnb. Making sure you adhere to these requirements will set you on the right path to running a successful Airbnb business. 

Age and Verification Requirements

When you host on Airbnb, you must be at least 18 years old. You must verify your age with Airbnb by uploading a copy of your legal identity document. Although the platform does not request this information all the time, there are some cases in which you may be asked to provide this information. 

Space Requirements: What Makes a Property Suitable?

One of the great things about hosting on Airbnb is the fact that you can list almost any space as long as you exercise complete transparency with your guests. You can even list a shared room, wherein the guests will share a bedroom with others or yourself. As long as you do not create a listing that misleads the guest in any way, it's allowed to be listed on Airbnb. You must also ensure that the space you list is used exclusively for lodging and not for any other purpose. 

Health and Safety Standards

Hosts must ensure that their property is clean and that any hazards are removed. Depending on where your Airbnb is located, the health and safety standards may vary. As a general rule, you have to make sure that the space is kept clean and tidy. The room and anywhere the guest has to occupy to get to the accommodation also needs to be kept free of any foreign material or potentially hazardous matter. 

Legal Requirements for Airbnb Hosts

Official legal requirements for Airbnb hosts vary according to where the property is based. 

Local Laws and Regulations

Some of the local laws and regulations vary according to the state or city your Airbnb property is in. The main points that you will likely need to check with the local authorities before listing your property are as follows: 
 

• Permits and licensing. You may need to apply for a business permit depending on where you want to set up your Airbnb.
• Building standards. You might have to get someone to come and inspect your home before you list your property as an accommodation option on Airbnb.
• Property classifications. Some states or cities may not allow you to run a business on a residential property. Always check the laws before opening up an Airbnb business.
• Tax laws. You may need to pay additional tax on the income you get from your Airbnb.

Insurance and Liability

Airbnb provides hosts with something called AirCover, which provides hosts with some basic coverage against bodily harm or injury to guests, theft and damage to the property, and damage or theft to the guest's property. To ensure you do not end up incurring other costs, you may want to consider taking out your own insurance policies too. 

Understanding Airbnb's Hosting Standards

As an established platform, there are some basic Airbnb host requirements that they strongly suggest you need to follow. The company needs to retain a good reputation in order for people to continue to use the platform for booking their accommodation. Therefore, when you choose to become a host, you need to make sure you take Airbnb’s standards into consideration. 

Guest Experience

The guest’s experience is ultimately what will determine your success on Airbnb. Airbnb recommends you provide your guests with some essential amenities for them to enjoy during their stay. These include toilet paper, bedding, towels, and maybe some tea and coffee for more of a personal touch. 

Communication and Responsiveness

Always ensure that you respond to your guests in a timely manner. More urgent requests of messages may require you to respond a lot quicker. However, you should always respond as soon as possible to give your guests peace of mind. More responsive hosts usually get better reviews on Airbnb, boosting your reputation as a host. You should always be very clear in your messages to avoid any communication breakdowns. 

Reliability: Cancellation Policy

As a host, you should try to avoid canceling a booking as much as possible. Only cancel if it is absolutely necessary. You should also choose a cancellation policy that is fair to you and the guests. The more guests you have on your property without canceling, the more chance you have of becoming a Superhost. 

Becoming a Superhost: Going Above and Beyond

Although listing your property on Airbnb is a relatively easy undertaking, maintaining a good reputation is the more difficult aspect of the Airbnb game. The better you do, the more likely you are to get a reputation as a Superhost. 

Superhost Requirements

In order to attain Superhost status, you have to complete 100 nights of hosting across at least 3 reservations. You must also successfully host at least 10 trips before you can be considered for Superhost status. Superhosts need to maintain a 1% or lower cancellation rate and consistently score more than 4.8 in the review system. These ratings are achieved by hosts when they go above and beyond for their guests, respond quickly, and take extra care to ensure the comfort of their guests. 

Benefits of Being a Superhost

When you reach Superhost status, your badge is displayed when guests view your property. This gives them peace of mind and assures them that their stay will be comfortable, based on the reviews others have left. This attracts more people to your property and boosts your chances of getting a booking. 

Superhosts are also positioned higher up in Airbnb’s search results, which means your property gets increased exposure and increases your visibility to guests who are looking for places to stay. Superhosts, therefore, make much more money than those hosts without the badge. 

Conclusion: Is Airbnb Hosting Right For You?

If you think you have the ability to host on Airbnb after reading this guide, then it should certainly be an option you explore. Before you make the final decision about hosting on Airbnb, you should carefully consider its viability. 

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Before making any major commitments, you need to weigh up the pros and cons of starting your own Airbnb business. Any legal requirements should be considered before diving into hosting, and you should also be prepared to dedicate a lot of time and energy to the property. You should also ensure that the business will be financially beneficial to you and ensure that you have run the numbers correctly, concluding that the venture will be profitable.