letting on Airbnb.....what do I need to know

[thisisacrazyidea]

Sorry if this is in the wrong topic, but it didn't seem to fit on any other topics.
We've had an offer accepted on a house that comes with an annex, as in separate from the house. We think its slightly dodgy, i.e. doesn't have planning permission, but have the survey this week. How does Airbnb work? If its a holiday rental is it best to do this as a business or just declare the extra income via my annual tax return? What else do I need to know re insurance, hassle, costs etc? I've looked locally and 1 bed places are posted at between £80-100/night.
Thank you

There's a thread by an Airbnb owner in AMA topic, maybe ask some questions on there...

There's also some good Facebook groups for airbnb hosts

Thank you both. Ive found the AMA thread and ill check out fb too.

If you have Netflix there is a programme called Home stay where they go and help the owners decorate and make the most of airbnb rentals. It’s a good watch with some helpful tips ( apart from the annoying presenter who keeps dropping his ‘H’ in a fake cockneyesque accent)

Dont be racist or homophobic - only stayed in an AirBnB once and it was an awful experience.

Check with your insurance company - you may need a special policy for this

I run an Airbnb. Makes good money, never had an issue.
My suggestion is to put a key pad lock on the door so any visitors can let themselves in whenever they arrive, instead of waiting for you or searching for a key under a mat.
New towels, pillows and good quality cotton sheets will help lift your offering. I don’t offer breakfast but I do leave a bottle of wine and a personal note on the bench along with detailed instructions on how to work the heating, the tv and the washing machine.
HTH

We run an airbnb by letting out an annexe attached to our house. It is a decent second income - around £600-£900 pcm by charging £45 per night. We leave milk/bread/jam & cereal plus tea/coffee so guests have the option of a basic breakfast.

Our council informed us we needed to pay business rates, but we qualify for small business rates relief as the amount we make is relatively low, so we don't actually pay anything.

Most guests are genuinely nice people. You can read their reviews beforehand. Only had a couple of negative experiences which was mainly people leaving a bit of a mess, nothing that bad.