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As a Superhost who’s hosted hundreds of guests, I have put together a list of Airbnb tips for renters looking to book an Airbnb. You will learn the best ways to communicate with your host and what to look for in booking an excellent listing.
If you’re a first time user to Airbnb or have been staying as a guest for years, there’s Airbnb tips here for you that will make sure your next trip is as smooth as ever.
This post is all about Airbnb tips for renters.
Best Airbnb Tips For Renters
1. Look for a high quality listing
You’re probably asking, what makes a high quality listing? You have to look for listings that have professional photos, nice decor and good listing descriptions.
Professional photos
Professional photos are a must these days for any Airbnb listing. If there’s not good quality photos, it’s most likely not going to be a good quality stay. I know, I know but it’s so true. Your host needs to spend the money and time into good quality photos.
Nice decor
Nice decor is so essential. It doesn’t need to be perfectly decorated but finding a listing that the host put some effort behind the design is going to elude to the rest of the stay. Including things like cleanliness which is crucial.
Lengthy listing description that spells out the experience
You want a host that is going to give you all the good and bad in a listing description. Make sure the listing description spells out the experience they are selling you. Once you read the listing description entirely, comb through all the listing reviews. You want to only stay at Airbnb’s that have good reviews and any bad reviews have a proper/professional response from the host. If you see the host not responding in strictly a professional manner, do not book the listing.
2. Inquire with any questions
Once you have thoroughly vetted a listing, send the host any questions you may have prior to booking.
Test the hosts responsiveness and tone
Does the host sound annoyed in their messages? Or are they delayed in their response? You want a host that is going to be eager to help you and be on top of any questions potential guests may have. If they’re not responding prior to earning your booking, they’re not going to respond once you’re a customer.
Ensure you get the answers you’re looking for
Make sure you get all the questions answered properly. You want to ensure you know what you’re walking into with the property you’re booking.
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3. Understand all the fees
Sometimes there are extra fees for pets, guests, kids, using certain amenities. Make sure you understand the pricing before you book to avoid not getting stuck with paying for items you didn’t expect.
Put the correct guest count when booking
This is so crucial. You run the risk of getting canceled on by a host for not posting the correct amount of guests. A lot of times the city regulations only allow certain guest counts for certain size houses. These cancelations could happen even up to during your stay for incorrect guest counts.
Account for pets as well
This goes for pets as well. Do not forget to understand the pet policy and accompanying rules around the pet policy.
4. Book the listing
Yay! You’ve done the research, now it’s time to confirm your stay!
Ensure you get an acknowledgement message from the host
Once the booking is confirmed, ensure you get a message from the host acknowledging your booking. Look for any further directions you need to follow prior to your stay.
Understand when check in instructions will be sent and how
In the confirmation message and communication, make sure you understand how you will be getting your check in instructions from the host. This is crucial for guests coming from far away or traveling to listings where cell service might be spotty. You want to ensure your information is accurate.
5. Staying at the listing
You’ve made it to your destination! (Hopefully a vacation). Now that you’re checked in. Settled down and start to relax.
Read the House Manual
You’ll want to read through the House Manual that is provided on Airbnb for guests. This is going to be from the host to the guest and include all the information you will need to operate the house. Ensure you and your guests read it thoroughly and understand it all.
Look through the guest book
Once you’ve read through the house manual, read the guest book in the house from the hosts. This is another spot the host is going to put all the information you will need during your stay!
6. Enjoy the stay!
Enjoy yourself! And take advantage of all the amenities.
Follow all the check out procedures
If the host leave some check out procedures, do your best to follow all of them if you can. You will run the risk of a bad review if you completely neglect the check out instructions running the risk for never being able to book another listing on Airbnb again. If you’re running late and can’t get to everything, make sure you let the host know that as well.
Ask ahead of time if you need more time for check out
If you know you won’t meet the check out time or want a late check out, ask the host as soon as you can. There’s so much coordinating that goes into scheduling cleaners so you’ll want to ensure your host knows ahead of time.
What other Airbnb tips for renters did I forget? Let me know in the comments below.
This post was all about Airbnb tips for renters.
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase via my links, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. See my disclosures for more info.
