{"id":35822,"date":"2024-05-08T20:58:41","date_gmt":"2024-05-08T20:58:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/54.247.233.135\/?p=35822"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:56:48","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T10:56:48","slug":"airbnb-basics-set-yourself-up-for-success","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/blog\/airbnb-basics-set-yourself-up-for-success\/","title":{"rendered":"Lesson 1: Set yourself up for success with the Airbnb basics"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, you\u2019re listing on Airbnb and want to increase your profits?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You first need to understand how the channel works and what you must do for a successful Airbnb business.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you\u2019ll learn about Airbnb\u2019s origins and the benefits the channel offers property managers today.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ll also show you how to set up your listing for sustainable success, which is the foundation of everything else in this course.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>In lesson 1:<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Introduction to Airbnb<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why should you list on Airbnb?<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rules and regulations<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How it works: fees, commissions, policies, and more<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Listing setup checklist<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"introduction-to-airbnb\"><b>Introduction to Airbnb&nbsp;<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb was founded back in 2007 when Brian Chesky and Joe Gebbia offered an \u201cAir bed and breakfast\u201d to attendees of the Industrial Design Conference in San Francisco.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Fast-forward a few years, and Airbnb became a pioneer in bringing short-term rentals to the forefront of the tourism industry. The channel caused major disruption to the travel industry by taking a significant share of the market from traditional hotels.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Despite controversy in many cities where short-term rentals have been blamed for rising rent prices, in 2024, the platform is more popular than ever.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb\u2019s Q4 2023 report shows:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are 5 million + hosts on Airbnb from across the globe.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the end of 2023, the channel had 7.7 million active listings.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb hosts earned more than $57 billion in 2023 alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.airbnb.com\/airbnb-q4-2023-and-full-year-financial-results\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"why-should-you-list-on-airbnb\"><b>Why should you list on Airbnb?<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All property managers have something to gain by listing on Airbnb.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few reasons to list your properties on the channel:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Exposure to millions of travelers<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Airbnb gives you exposure to millions of travelers from around the world. In Q4 of 2023 alone, there was a total of 99 million nights and experiences booked.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Trusted platform<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Established 16 years ago, Airbnb has a reputation as a trusted and reliable platform where guests can book secure stays.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Suitable for all property types<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Guests can book any kind of vacation rental through Airbnb. There are 7.7 million active listings around the world, including rooms in shared homes, private apartments, luxury villas, and many more property types.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>High-value bookings<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 The average booking value on Airbnb continues to grow year on year.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Security for hosts<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Airbnb offers AirCover for Hosts to protect your property and business against guest damage and liability.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Source: <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.airbnb.com\/airbnb-q4-2023-and-full-year-financial-results\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rules-and-regulations\"><b>Rules and regulations<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re new to Airbnb, check your local government website to find out what laws and regulations apply to vacation rentals and short-term hosting.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to ensure your housing contract permits you to run a hosting business.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some things to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Business Licenses:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> You may need to apply for and obtain a license before your Airbnb business can be operated.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Building and Housing Standards: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most local governments have rules and regulations specifying construction, design, and maintenance standards for buildings, including regulations on habitability, health, and safety.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Zoning Rules:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Most locations have laws that set out the way you can use your home. These rules are often found in a zoning code, planning code, or city ordinances.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Special Permit: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some jurisdictions may require a special permit to rent out your home.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Taxes:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Many jurisdictions require hosts to collect a tax for each overnight stay, and pay that tax to the city or other jurisdiction.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Landlord-Tenant Laws:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> When hosting longer stays, you may be subject to landlord-tenant laws.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you\u2019ll have to do research into your own area (regulations vary state by state in the US, for example), we\u2019ve put together some <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">things you can do to learn about regulations that apply and ensure you comply:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Review Airbnb\u2019s online repository<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/help\/topic\/272\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The online repository<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a helpful resource where you can look up the different regulations that apply in some of the world\u2019s largest markets.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Investigate your local area<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Research the history of your local area and what regulations have been brought in recently \u2013 this might give an indication of potential future changes.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Contact Vrbo<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 You can read the information on Vrbo\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/host.expediagroup.com\/vrbo\/en-us\/articles\/regulations-resources\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">regulatory resources page<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and enquire about regulations in different markets by reaching out to GovernmentAffairs@Vrbo.com.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Read your local government policies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014\u00a0 Visit your local government website and search for information about vacation rental regulations. Understand the role of <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rentalsunited.com\/blog\/vacation-rental-advocacy\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacation Rental Advocacy Groups<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Join social media groups<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rentalsunited.com\/blog\/top-8-vacation-rental-groups-for-hosts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Facebook and LinkedIn groups<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are a great place to learn about regulations from hosts and industry experts. You can ask questions and stay up to date with upcoming changes. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/69889\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacation Rental Professionals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/groups\/115167\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacation Rental News and Information<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/business.of.str.property.management\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Business of Short Term Rental Management<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are some groups we recommend!<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"how-it-works-fees-commissions-policies-and-more\"><b>How it works: fees, commissions, policies and more<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, let\u2019s go over how Airbnb works.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the basic level &#8211; you create a free account, upload your listing, and start getting bookings.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But to set yourself up to succeed, there are some things you should know:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"commission-on-your-bookings\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Commission on your bookings<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb offers 2 different fee structures for stays: a split fee and a Host-only fee.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Split fee is more common, and with this plan, Airbnb will charge hosts <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/help\/article\/1857\/airbnb-service-fees\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">service fee<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> of 3% of the booking subtotal. The subtotal is your nightly price plus any optional fees you charge guests (for example, a cleaning fee)<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the host-only fee, <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the entire fee is deducted from the Host. It\u2019s typically 14\u201316%, though Hosts with Super Strict cancellation policies may pay more, and fees for stays of 28 nights or more may be less.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This fee is mandatory for traditional hospitality listings\u2013such as hotels, serviced apartments, etc., as well as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/help\/article\/2346\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">software-connected hosts<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, which includes anyone connecting through a channel manager such as Rentals United.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"guest-fees\"><strong>Guest fees<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There are different fees you can add to your listings.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For example:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><b>Cleaning fees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Cover the cost of cleaning your space after the guest\u2019s stay.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Extra guest fees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 A fee for each additional guest beyond a set number.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Pet fees<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 An additional charge to allow guests to bring pets in to your property<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><b>Security deposit<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> \u2014 Hosts who manage their listings with API-connected software can set a security deposit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Be realistic in what fees are right for your property. If you need to pay a cleaner for three hours every time you have a new guest, make sure your cleaning fee covers that cost as well as any cleaning products you will need.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The same goes for pets or extra guests &#8211; if extra work is required from your end, make sure you are compensated. However, be aware that guests looking to travel on a budget will take these fees into account when assessing your property. Be reasonable in what you charge.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"aircover\"><strong>Aircover<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Airbnb offers Aircover for free to all hosts.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aircover includes:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Guest ID verification to confirm guests\u2019 identity.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Reservation screening, which can help detect fraudulent bookings.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$3M host damage protection, which may cover:<\/span>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Damage to property or host belongings caused by guests<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Extra cleaning fees for stains caused by guests, pet accidents<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smoke or odor removal<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">$1M host liability in case you are found legally responsible for guest injury or damage to guest property during their stay.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many hosts take out extra insurance or protection plans to increase the security of their business, as Aircover does not replace personal insurance.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"listing-setup-checklist\"><b>Listing setup checklist<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the end of lesson 1, here\u2019s a quick summary of what to do to make sure your listing is in order:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check local laws regarding Airbnb and vacation rentals in your area with Airbnb\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.airbnb.com\/help\/topic\/272\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">online repository<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If applicable, check your housing contract to confirm you can rent your property on Airbnb.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decide on any additional fees you want to charge your guests. Be realistic in how much time it will take to clean your property or set up for pets or extra guests to ensure you\u2019re compensated for your time.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Decide whether you will use Aircover or any additional insurance or protection for your property.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now you understand how Airbnb works, and you\u2019ve built strong foundations to base your Airbnb business on, it\u2019s time to look at how to put that work to good use and those bookings and earnings rolling in.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enjoyed this? <a href=\"https:\/\/rentalsunited.com\/blog\/legendary-listings\/\">Jump to the next lesson<\/a> to continue your journey from Airbnb beginner to master.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Looking to grow your Airbnb business? Our simple, 7-step course will walk you through the entire process of growing a successful and sustainable Airbnb business. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/rentalsunited.com\/the-airbnb-host-master-course\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out the full course here<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>So, you\u2019re listing on Airbnb and want to increase your profits? You first need to understand how the channel works and what you must do for a successful Airbnb business.&nbsp; Here, you\u2019ll learn about Airbnb\u2019s origins and the benefits the channel offers property managers today.&nbsp; We\u2019ll also show you how to set up your listing [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":36958,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[64,74,68,35],"tags":[],"blog-tag":[57],"class_list":["post-35822","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-courses","category-listing-sites","category-partners","category-rentals-united","blog-tag-airbnb"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35822","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=35822"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35822\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":45237,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/35822\/revisions\/45237"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/36958"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=35822"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=35822"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=35822"},{"taxonomy":"blog-tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.rentalsunited.com\/es\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog-tag?post=35822"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}