Renting your place on Airbnb: a 15min how-to guide of expert rent tips and host tricks

This is an instruction video to help people get started renting on Airbnb. It goes into detail on all aspects of the setup and hosting process, it includes many practical tips that should be useful to new and veteran Airbnb users. A complete guide in a 15 minute video like this didn’t exist when I was starting as a new host so I made this one and hope it helps future Aribnb users!
Contents:
What is Airbnb
Rental Budget
Style and design
Bedroom and sleeping
Bathroom setup
Cleaning/preparation
Creating a listing
Communication
Safety/Concerns
Laws/Regulations
If you think something was missing, or have your own Airbnb suggestions be sure to share them in the comments section!
All video content was created by GarageMed

[@indybikeman1]

Another cleaning tip, we use sanitizing wipes to wipe off all light switches, door knobs, handles etc. all common places where people touch.

[@shorttermrentalcompany5521]

wipes are great but they are expensive vs using the spray, you trust the organic sprays to do a good job then I think that would be a good I idea to use as that would mean being good to the environment

[@glenda73]

where can I post this bnb? we have a room and private bathroom for occupancy

[@createdcreated1977]

make a simple solution of white vinegar and water. cleans and disinfects.

[@jamesr1703]

The normal attention span is 15 minutes and your video at just over 18 minutes fits the bill. Pleasant voice, excellent cadence and great information. Well done!

[@NuCents44]

I run a Airbnb Business and I’ve found That professional photos have drastically increased my income. Great video 👍

[@BasilNadeem]

Nunu Jackson I have a few question message me on Instagram @bnadeem14

[@davidlopez5859]

How much do professional photos cost?

[@karenkas81]

Thanks for the tip 👍

[@indybikeman1]

WE provide simple snacks at our Airbnb, Chips, crackers, cookies, microwave popcorn. and bottled water. Sometimes I'll leave ice cream or popsicles in the freezer. Also, I have menus from local restaurants. A copy of our local weekly community news paper

[@tamikasteele5795]

what gave yall the interest with Airbnbs in the begining?

[@gregorydopart7589]

If they are allergic to ANY of the ingredients and possibly die, you would go to jail. I know it's rare, but it does happen.

[@129jaystreet]

Just an additional note on the mattresses bed bug covers are absolutely essential. It protects the mattress from Bugs, stains, perfumes, whatever. A good mattress is very expensive and you'll want to protect it.

[@felmlee1876]

We started airbnb in July 2017. We had two bedrooms in which we had raised our kids. We spent about a month and about $400 to paint, add additional electrical outlets, and new bathroom faucets (we did all of the work ourselves). I hoped that we would recoup the $400 by the end of the year. Within two hours we had our first booking, and by the end of the year had made over $5000. Always have flashlights in each room. With both rooms booked, we experienced an eight hour electrical blackout starting at about 8:00 pm. We own several antique kerosene lamps and the oil to fill them. The guests (two young couples who had never seen oil lamps being used) loved it and gave us rave reviews. Be Prepared!

[@brianrodrigues9606]

Hi Dennis. I'm interested to know how to rent 2 rooms in a single listing. Newbie. Thanks

[@frankiegunnz8066]

@@brianrodrigues9606 Did you do It?

[@brianrodrigues9606]

@@frankiegunnz8066 Dennis didn't respond. Did a workaround and so far so good.

[@frankiegunnz8066]

@@brianrodrigues9606 Have you rented a room on AirBNB before?

[@AgungSuyono4Life]

dennis felmlee where is your airbnb PROPERTY located That Made Only two hours after you paint you got your first booking?

[@Ian-ny6ux]

The vinyl mattress encasement tip was quite helpful. Thank you.

[@shanec4441]

KRIS that bedbug cover is a must

[@di2bera]

isnt the vinyl "noisy" though?

[@SURFERGRL72RAKM]

@@di2bera Traditional bed bug covers for mattresses are not noisy, you don't really even know they are under the sheets. Come with zippers so you can take them off easily to wash when needed. A good pair of bed bug cover's will cost you about $80 for a queen size and $150 for a king size. You can purchase them online and they're definitely a must have.

[@garagemed9539]

3 more tips: 1) Calendar: Use the Airbnb calendar functions to enable/disable rental dates. I always disable booking more than 3 months in the future in case my plans or schedule change. 2) Parking: make sure to explain this to guests in your listing AND message them instructions before they arrive. 3) Arrival: make sure to make a good first impression--including the walkway up the front door and the view of the house from just inside the front door.

[@jessicabredesen432]

I am a host, and for me, bathroom cleaning is the biggest thorn in my side. I really appreciated those tips a lot. Thanks! Some small things that I do that are very popular are 1) have a phone/tablet charging station on the nightstand next to the bed, 2) have the lamp be dimmable, and 3) utilize nightlights to offer accent lighting to the space. Decor is a huge aspect, because it is the visual cue to differentiate you from the competition. I believe that much of my success is due to a unique decor. Also, getting local visitor guidebooks in the space is a big plus. My guests appreciate coupon books, tourist guides, local maps, etc, so I stay on the lookout for those!

[@alejandrasalazar8962]

Joshua Baldwin awesome great tips! Quick question do you charge a deposit ?

[@airbnb4805]

Hi host please we would like to rent your place ,contact me via whatsapp + 1 646820 8834 ,we'd like to book asap thanks

[@Ian-ny6ux]

This is the most helpful video i’ve found on youtube in terms of hosting in Airbnb. It covers the basic. Essentials. Great vid. 👌🏼

[@theerox1]

I am a host and what I like the most about Airbnb is that I am a host out of California! It came into my life when I needed it the most! Thank you, Airbnb!

[@mahalie23]

Vinyl cover is a great tip. I've hosted for a while and this is all great info.

[@charlesrichardson8635]

One other specific point on the video. I would add a "Researching your hosting area". You could have assuaged your fears by researching the properties being hosted and their rates. I also spent the money, $30, for data for my city with AirDNA. This data supported the fact that we could host our property for a reasonable rate and that competition, like housing sales, actually can raise your rental rate. I would put this between "What is Airbnb" and "Rental Budget". I like the conciseness of you presentation. Your production is good. The details covered are an excellent choice of details without confusing the watcher. I definitely point people to this video.

[@yvonnerodriguez5049]

I was very fortunate that as a first time host, I received 4 5 Star Ratings. I basically went with what I myself have found in hotel rooms that I have stayed in. All the comforts of home such as iron, hair blower, extra tooth brush and the use of a coffee maker along with some danishes or bagel for their breakfast. I also left them a list of things for them to do.

[@nansolomon8193]

Thank you so much for taking the Time to make this Vid..best I have seen and trust in me..I have watched for Hours now. Greetings from the Baltic Sea :)

[@justicejones7646]

by far the best airbnb video i have watched so far. thank you for the valuable information :)

[@airbnb4805]

Hi host please we would like to rent your place on airbnb ,contact me via whatsapp + 1 646820 8834 ,we'd like to book asap thanks

[@caledoniadreamin6435]

Be advised, that with Airbnb, if your guest cancels for personal reasons (such as death in family etc), even once the stay has begun, regardless of the host’s cancellation policy, the guest will get a refund for the entire rental period, or part unused. Even though the cancellation is in no part the fault of the host, the host will lose that rental money. With VRBO, the guest has the option of purchasing “traveler’s insurance” to cover such events. With VRBO, the host is protected whether the guest purchases the trip insurance or not.

[@Kedda486]

What's VRBO

[@francistheuri5819]

Why would you want to retain the persons money if he has just lost his loved one???

[@albertp3997]

I had the same question. Acronym finder defined it as: Vacation Rentals by Owner.

[@JulieWallis1963]

Francis Theuri because as an Air bnb host you’re in it to make money, you’re not running a home for the lost! If they arrive then leave you have to still wash the bedding. If they cancel at the last minute you may have missed out on others who would have actually paid! Hosting involves quite a lot of work, cleaning, laundry, shopping for the bottled water etc. Do you think I and others do that for fun?

[@michael931]

I have a hard time believing this. Can someone else confirm?

[@Plagius8]

I close on a house in 2 week and need this straight forward calm cut and dry info. I thank u.

[@jenniferkannapel9450]

BED TIP- #1 first encase the mattress in a zippered bed bug protector THEN put on the waterproof fitted cover. The waterproof cover only needs washing a few times a year unless the sheet gets soiled and you would not need to do anything with the bedbug protection encasement.

[@nimalwitharana7720]

Very useful information for the beginners. Thank you . WELL DONE

[@aprild3250]

One of the best Airbnb videos I’ve see! Great job!

[@AjitPanesar]

Fantastic real human storey.Thank you for sharing.I have been a host since 2012 in London and have met wonderful people.We have even been to their homes in Uruguay .Airbnb family is truly awesome

[@pjsanchez100]

Luggage rack, it's so helpful.

[@islandgirl3330]

I agree.

[@impulsivemojo1270]

You could retitle and repost the video as “Home Training for Roommates” Great Video

[@mwanaishaahmed727]

Thanks for the video. It will stand as my guide into Hosting business especially here in Tanzania where its starting to take root.

[@dianeriley3346]

Thank you for the video. A lot of helpful tips for us to start our Airbnb.

[@petcal2004]

So true ... I like how detailed you are. Thank you 🙏🏽

[@andrewarfonjones7455]

Yes your video gives people a good insight of what’s involved with air bnb thanks .

[@SURFERGRL72RAKM]

I also place a fabric softener sheet inside the garbage cans. It helps eliminate any smells in the kitchen and so forth during their stay.

[@ericsharesvideo]

Awesome video. Nice job and excellent advice. Thank you!

[@homesteadproject5533]

Great video! I loved it! Thank you so much!

[@Gokulo24]

Thank you very much, this is really informative and helpful

[@chrishicks5055]

Thanks for these insightful guidelines!!

[@tomchesmore1464]

Great job you were right on point and gave invaluable advise

[@starviewcottage8060]

This video has a good tips for all Airbnb host. Its really a amazing concept to earn money in easiest way because I am also a superhot in Airbnb from SHIMLA a small city in INDIA. I am a host in house so my guest never feel uncomfortable because I am always there to helped them.

[@Fidelisinspire]

One of the best videos I’ve watched on setting up my Airbnb

[@cavegardens4686]

I am a host. It took me almost 3hrs reading and listening to the videos about how to be a good host. I have learnt a lot about issues which have been failing me especially in improving my responses to guests, Thanks to airbnb.

[@wompwomp1099]

Do the host usually stay with the person booking the home?

[@joyceann57]

Thanks so much for this video. I wish I'd seen this before I started my place in April 2018. I especially liked the idea of using a sticky roller to get rid of those sneaky hairs. You think you've gotten them all before washing and then after the wash or when putting sheets on the bed you see one! I thought it was because I wear glasses! I'm going right out and buy a pack of sticky rollers when I finish this.

[@tamikasteele5795]

how did you find your Airbnb property

[@jesseknox9322]

Thanks for the great video super helpful!

[@estrellitasheward9224]

Excellent presentation. Very explicit and organized.

[@casacalmar]

Excellent and well prepared video.

[@129jaystreet]

Great and interesting tutorial thank you for sharing.

[@pandelov]

The video was great. Thanks!

[@silviuanton135]

So much good content free !!! Thank you very much !!!

[@magicmegan4290]

This was the best fricken video ever.

[@laine2138]

Great tips! Thank you.

[@dorothysmith826]

This was my 2nd time using Airbnb, loved the first house in Vegas, this house in Omaha was a bit more challenging, the bed sunk in the middle , later of dust everywhere, very little pots and pans to cook with and very sparse on cooking utensils, knives and such. Otherwise it was pretty nice!

[@simplehealthnut]

Great advice! Thank you.

[@lindabaron9676]

Really good overview to get you started. Thx!

[@airbnb4805]

Hi host please we would like to rent your place on airbnb ,contact me via whatsapp + 1 646 820 8834 ,we'd like to book asap thanks

[@grannygoes7882]

I agreed with everything in this vid except one. I'm a airbnb superhost for the last 6 years. Don't put anything vinyl or plastic over your mattress. It causes hot flashes and night sweats in many people, not just menopausal women. In 6 years I've never had anyone stain my sheets much less the mattress. Under your sheet should be a high quality mattress pad you can wash. You don't have to wash it every time, just once in a while.

[@EddieStyle]

GREAT VIDEO! THANK YOU SO MUCH!

[@cathalreynolds6550]

Great video! Thank you for the info :)

[@AngcoolJay]

Everything that i needed! Thank u!

[@maayongaga729]

Great tips especially with cleaning.

[@pewlinfontenard7528]

Concise and well presented video. I've booked stays on Airbnb but want to understand the concept from the hosts' perspectives as well.

[@lindacontreras8862]

Fantastic video! Thank you so much

[@affilnewbie]

An excellent introductory guide!

[@MacalleySage]

Great video man! Super helpful!

[@ginarickard7605]

Great tips and advice!

[@shorttermrentalcompany5521]

this gives me a good idea to some product test and compares the prices in the future

[@auniciasharpe7293]

Thanks for the great tips. Especially the shizz, the lint roller!

[@adrianpocea2287]

Awesome video!

[@GilbertFleming]

Good idea about the vinyl mattress cover

[@zhinningenge1754]

Excellent! Very straightforward.

[@misstoi]

I was at an airbnb for an extended stay wasn't happy. Must have zippered pillow and mattress encasement. Not cheap vinyl that rip the waterproof fabric is very easy to spot clean. Hand vacuum, cleaning supplies, cover for sleep sofa.

[@careya]

Best video on this subject by far.

[@DinosaurHorses]

Very informative. Thank you for reading down all the steps.

[@elShit07]

nice thank you for the advice.

[@Bindafix]

Thanks for the video!! Is very usefull

[@rositanguyen3946]

Thanks! You made it sound simple, let’s see if I can do this

[@michellelanyingli9478]

Thanks for the information, I am planing to rent one of my room out in AZ, now it is best time to visit Phoenix AZ.

[@frankiegunnz8066]

Did you do It?

[@arthausmontreal9954]

Great info. Thank you.

[@gilcorona9879]

Great info thanks very helpful

[@tampachurchofgod1]

Thanks, your tips were helpful.

[@isaac6302]

Very helpful video. Thanks

[@takuechigubu7553]

this is a great video. lots of important information

[@kandyman23]

Thanks for the video! A couple of follow up questions from a rookie: 1) how do you approach setting up security cameras at the place with the tenant? Is it ok to write in the house rules that the family room/dining room/ kitchen has surveillance for mutual safety? 2) how do you approach potential Airbnb guests you trust that are looking to stay longer at the place without booking on Airbnb?

[@basupoudel]

Thank you It is a good vedio,nicely explained.

[@sylverlineagubulom3063]

Nice video. Thanks for the tips too

[@OLISAxo]

This is such excellent info, thank you!

[@SketchbookStudioo]

This brings peace of mind

[@barbararankin5038]

Thank you for your advice. I am jousting thinking about airbnb.

[@so_cal_mom]

Barbara Rankin you should do it! I've been hosting for a year. It's been fantastic :)

[@bruce.lee.]

Good info thank you!

[@cathynordahl9081]

Another good tip is to make sure there is not just extra toilet paper but enough for the amount of people and length of stay. Paper towels and trash bags also. Many places I've stayed I've had to run to the store to buy more.

[@earlybeepersonalfinance4773]

Thanks for this video!

[@Jordan-Norr]

Great video! Very informative

[@nemorotatory]

Great video.thank you so much

[@lavondabanks7033]

Great video thanks

[@scotta3488]

Thank you for a very informative video

[@talloolahmoon]

I wish more hosts would watch this. I’ve had some shoddy experiences as an airbnb guest.

[@shekukokobaye3309]

This video was really helpful

[@kartikyadav9663]

So informative thanks bro

[@stanleyoketch8134]

Thank you very much for this video. It is really helpful.......an eye-opener for beginners like me.

[@jaesoncortez9859]

@Stanley Oketch, I met a guy who helped me get started and personally handheld me throughout the process of getting my first Airbnb generating income property. FYI in just 4 weeks and without owning it. His name was Jim from Jim G Coaching Club. Checkout his YT channel "Jim G Coaching Club" his vids go deep. Hope this helps.

[@osamaishak6746]

Loved this video :)

[@taniak8003]

great video!!

[@throughblindeyesmyphilippi2015]

Thinking about starting Air Bnb in my house I rent. Undecided on whether I want to just do my two spare rooms I have (well one room and the other basically a decent sized office) or allow access to the whole house minus MY bedroom. Only problem is where would I sleep or go when the house is being occupied? There is definitely money to be made that is for sure! Gotta figure out the details but I learned a few things from your video so thanks for that!

[@AirbnbRentalEmpire]

Informative stuff, keep it up!

[@GetHelpTax]

Very helpful video. The travel industry isn't doing well now with the whole coronavirus thing. However, there still will be opportunities as an Airbnb host after it passes.

[@StarhasReturnedToSenderForever]

I really love your video...

[@mohammadnouri4927]

This video was great I am thinking about doing this it was very informative and very detailed.

[@jaesoncortez9859]

@Mohammad Nouri, have you heard about Jim G Coaching Club He helped me get started and personally hand held me through the process of picking up my first AirBnB Passive Income property in a couple of weeks, without owning. JimGCoachingClub YT video's go deep. You guys should connect...