Turn Your Airbnb Host Nightmare Into A Fantasy With These Free Tools
Is your Airbnb causing more problems than it's worth? Short-term rentals are lucrative yet require lots of work. Dealing with disrespectful guests and coordinating with cleaning services might have you asking yourself if hosting an Airbnb is still worth it.
There's always the risk of a nightmare guest, but many common guest problems have relatively simple solutions. By examining the rental process and finding where communication breakdowns occur, you can figure out solutions. The following are two common issues Airbnb hosts face and the tools to fix them:
Guests not reading check-in instructions clearly
One of the most common complaints by hosts is that guests don't read check-in instructions. One host said she was woken up at 3 am by a guest who hadn't bothered to read instructions for the smart lock she uses. Another said some guests don't honor check-out times, leaving her cleaning crew with less time to turn over the property.
This solution is simple: Have all guests sign a document with initial requirements next to important check-in/check-out information. Having them check boxes next to each piece of information makes it more likely to stick.
You can download my free Airbnb check-in/check-out policies form template that requires guests to initial important check-in and check-out info. You can add or omit any of the lines if needed. To edit and use the template for yourself, simply upload it using the clone option on Jotform. Here's a great video showing how to do it.
Please note: this is not a rental contract and should only be used supplementally. I recommend sending it to your guest along with your rental agreement and the FAQs below.
Not being able to clock out at the end of the day
Are your guests treating you like a 24-hour concierge? Another common complaint Airbnb hosts voice is no time off from guest inquiries. Cut down on guest questions by providing a comprehensive FAQs sheet before they check-in and a physical copy they'll see the moment they walk in your door.
I've created an FAQs site for commonly asked Airbnb questions. If you'd like to use my template, contact me, and I can set it up for you. You can also easily create your FAQs with Google Sites, so they’re accessible online 24/7. Even the most comprehensive FAQs won't deter every guest from calling or texting you during their stay, but they can reduce the number.
These are just two solutions to make the Airbnb host experience more pleasant. If you’d like to find out more ways to streamline your Airbnb business, contact me for a free 30-minute consultation.