Becoming an Air B N B Host

[nostaples]

Does anybody do this? Please will you tell me everything about it? I'm interested in the practicialities: taxation, using agents, cleaners, keys etc. No comments telling me not to do it please. Money is tight having been through traumatic divorce, bereavement and job loss. This seems like a possible option.

Do you intend to let out a second home or a room in your home?

Various options, one of which is to sell my house and buy a cheaper, easier flat in a city centre and then rent it out in holidays (I'm a teacher) while moving in with my dad.

There was a detailed thread on the ‘AMA’ (ask me anything) board from an Airbnb host last year. I think she rented out one room in her own home

You could do a search for it

A guy I work with let's out his flat it's zone 2 and goes and stays with a friend for the 90 days or whatever it is.
He pre-vets and approves all bookings and has a lockable closet where valuables go.

He lives quite light as a result but it works for him

It's pretty straightforward. Especially if there is demand I'm your area. Put up some photos and see what demand is like.

A friend does Air B&B and she finds changeover days are manic. Plus the damage that the visitors "forget" to mention on leaving. It's an annex to her house and she's had lamps broken and propped up, sheets stained with coffee, the "spare" cupboard with loo rolls, pillowcases, tea and coffee sachets etc raided (as in emptied!)

She says it's an experience.

Could you get a lodger instead, especially if you have a larger house currently?

Thanks all. Don't really want a lodger because my children are back and forth from university and I need more flexibility. I'd be really interested in a chat with someone who does air b n b, especially if you make a living this way. Anyone about?

Tip from my SIL is not to do same day turnaround. You lose a day but the stress of doing same day isn’t worth it.

I did b&b years ago which is basically the same.
Don’t leave anything you don’t want damaging or taking and don’t leave more than one spare loo roll. But I didn’t actually have any problems.