How To Run An Airbnb Remotely: 9 Tools You Need

Are you wondering how to run an Airbnb remotely and if it’s even possible? When I bought the cabin we are currently renovating, I thought that I for sure needed to hire a property manager. But the 25% fee for management literally made me wince in pain. 

I went down a rabbit hole of trying to figure out how to DIY this whole property management thing. And what I found out will shock you! So many Airbnb owners run their properties remotely and do it very successfully.

I’ll take you through what I learned and the exact tools I use to run my properties. I have 7 Airbnbs and I don’t live in the same town of any of them. Let’s dive in.

This post is all about how to run an Airbnb remotely.

How To Run An Airbnb Remotely

9 Tools You Need

1. A great listing setting proper guest expectations

A great experience starts with a great listing and setting guest expectations. Check out this post where I dive deep into how to set up the best listing possible on Airbnb.

In the listing, make sure you put all the information about the property, the good, bad and ugly. Also call out that you will not be available in person but happy to walk them through any questions. In case of an emergency, tell them that someone will be there to assist. This is where you need to have a deal with your cleaner or handyman to be that point of contact.

2. Automated messaging

Clear communication that gives guests all the information they need to know is truly a make it or break it experience. You want your guests to not have to look hard for any relevant check in instructions or house rules. Put it in the listing but also direct message them these things when they check in!

Are you new to Airbnb? Use my referral link and I’ll coach you through setting up your first listing! Airbnb will give you a $48 bonus for using me as your Airbnb ambassador for listing set up after hosting your first guest!

3. Schlage Smart Lock

This exact smart lock integrates with Airbnb allowing them to set the code for your guests and keeping you totally hands off in the process, it’s amazing. Here’s the link to the exact one I use and that integrates with the Airbnb app.

4. Doorbell camera

So, I never check mine to be honest but it’s a nice tool if you have to deliveries or let vendors in and no one else it there. It’s also good with guest check in issues but I’ve personally never dealt with that. I use this system below.

5. A great guest guidebook

I’ll make this one super easy for you and just give you mine! Just drop your email below and you’ll get it straight to your inbox. This guest guidebook is what I use in my 5 star listings to ensure my guests have all the information they need for their stay.

6. Easily accessible “extras”

I always stock back up in a locked closet in the house and then have additional back ups in the garage. That way if my guests run out of something, I can provide them the code and they can get what they need.

I know what you’re thinking, they’ll take all the back ups! Believe it or not, 99% of guests are respectful and won’t do this.

7. Instacart subscription

An instacart order can solve a multitude of problems. They are even faster than having a manager in the same city. If your guests need anything or complain about towels being stained, you can instacart just about anything in under 2 hours.

8. 5-star cleaning team

The number 1 thing that matters in short term rentals is having a clean property. You need a 5 star cleaning team and a team that communicates very well. I always have my cleaners go through a checklist when they’re turning over a property and ask for pictures/videos after a clean. This keeps everyone accountable to providing a great experience.

Your cleaning team is also another set of eyes for you. Train them to let you know if anything is wrong, needs maintenance or needs to be replaced.

9. Maintenance teams

Once you get requests from your cleaning teams for maintenance or your guests show you something that needs maintenance. Have your maintenance team address immediately and effectively. Have them send videos of finished work or better yet, have your cleaning team audit their work!

What other questions do you have about how to run an Airbnb remotely? Let me know in the comments below!

This post was all about how to run an Airbnb remotely.