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It’s no secret the UK is a hub for travellers, sightseers and holiday-goers. The most popular reason given by people visiting the UK was for a holiday, but turning your house into an Airbnb can be a nerve-wracking process unless you have all the correct information.
We’ve pulled together a guide to help you get started on your journey to becoming a superhost and make the most of the holidaymakers travelling through the UK.
- Check your insurance policy to make sure you’re covered in case anything goes wrong.
- Get your space ready for guests, so you leave a lasting impression.
- Check your local rules and regulations around renting out a space.
How do I get started on Airbnb?
With a little research, getting started on Airbnb can be a straightforward, simple process. The best part is, it’s free to list your home, room or space (shepherd’s huts, boats and even windmills are available), Airbnbs come in all shapes and sizes and your place might be just the stay somebody’s looking for.
A good starting point is to check out what the competition is doing:
- Find out what the nightly rates are.
- Research how other local homes market themselves and the images they use.
- Look at what amenities other Airbnbs offer.
This should give you a good idea of how to position your Airbnb when you go to list it. Airbnb will help you with pricing, descriptions and photographs, so have a good spring clean, tidy the mess and make sure your home’s looking its best.
Remember to also research local rules that apply to your specific circumstances. If you’re looking to Airbnb in London, hosting is limited to only 90 days per year and the listing closes once you’ve reached the limit.
Get familiar with the various hosting responsibilities, laws and regulations before diving head-first into becoming a host.
How to Airbnb your home: tips from the superhosts.
Does your home insurance cover Airbnb?
It’s a big deal having other people stay in your home, so you want to make sure you’re covered before you put up your listing.
One of the most important steps is to inform your mortgage provider and check your home insurance to make sure you’re protected, not all insurance policies have you covered and nobody wants to be stuck with a hefty bill after having guests stay.
The good news for LV= home insurance customers is, if you do choose to Airbnb your home, you’ll have Airbnb cover as long as:
- The property continues to be your main home where you normally live.
- Rooms in your home aren’t rented out for more than 60 days a year.
- There are no more than four guests staying at any one time.
- There are no more than two bedrooms used by guests.
You can sleep tight knowing LV= covers the loss and damage caused by paying guests, such as vandalised property, as long as you’ve ticked the eligibility boxes.
It’s worth remembering not everything’s covered under your Airbnb insurance, though. LV= doesn't cover loss or damage to your paying guests’ belongings, for example, if a leak ruins their luggage. And theft wouldn’t be covered if a door’s left open.
How do I get my home ready for Airbnb guests?
Once you’ve confirmed you’re an eligible customer and covered by insurance, the next step is to have a good spring clean to get your home ready to host your guests. Turning your place into an Airbnb isn’t just about supplying a bed. You’ll want to create the best possible experience for anyone coming to stay. The better the experience, the better the reviews and the more bookings you’ll get.
The best thing to do is make yourself a checklist of everything you’d want to see in a top quality Airbnb. The last thing you want is a call in the middle of the night asking for an extra towel or to let you know the fridge isn’t working. Before hosting your next stay, at the very least you should have the following covered:
- Electric appliances: working refrigerator, freezer, oven, washing machine and dryer.
- Living room: comfy sofas, curtains, cushions and throws.
- Bedrooms: soft bedding, blankets and firm mattresses.
- Bathrooms: clean toilets, sinks and showers.
There’s quite a lot to do behind the scenes when you rent your home. Tidying up clutter, making room in your fridge and food cupboards for visitors, ironing linen and stocking up on soap can go a long way.
How do I become an Airbnb Superhost?
You want your guests’ stay to be memorable and leave a lasting impression, so it’s worth going the extra mile to earn your Airbnb Superhost status. Convenience is key and leaving leaflets for local attractions, public transport timetables, café and restaurant recommendations, and any other local tips you can think of, will help create the best stay possible.
If you go above and beyond for your guests, Airbnb will grant you Superhost status, which gives guests quality assurance on their stay, making your space more attractive for future customers. The criteria which you’ll be judged on includes:
- Value for money
- Cleanliness of the stay
- Speed of your response on the app
- Whether you cancel any bookings
- How often you rent your home
Superhosts earn more money (from more bookings) and receive priority placement on Airbnb.com. As a host, you also have the ability to rate the people you’ve had to stay. If you find a guest has been difficult to communicate with or hasn’t left your home as you’d like, you can give honest feedback after their visit.
How do I declare my Airbnb earnings?
Airbnb is a fun, flexible and rewarding way to meet new people and earn some extra money from your home.
Once your Airbnb’s up and running, it’s crucial you declare your earnings to Inland Revenue. The money you make through Airbnb is taxable so it’s important you make this known.
In the UK there’s tax relief on renting one room in your house, but the rules are different when you rent the whole house or a space within your property. It’s probably best to talk to an accountant if you’re not sure.
Knowing how to prepare and making the extra effort can go a long way when getting your home ready for Airbnb, not only will it cover you from any hidden bills and problems, it’ll make you a super host for your guests!