To AirB&B my home?

[glasslightly]

Apologies posting here for traffic, as I can find surprisingly little out there on this.

We're likely to be away for an extended period over the summer and I'm thinking about the possibility of letting out our home for the period (about 5 weeks).

We have an area we can lock off personal items, but was wondering if anyone has any feedback on doing this ? Eg pros/ cons etc ? How much airb&b takes etc?

Not even sure if demand, we are in London Zone 2 - was thinking someone who maybe was refurbishing and needed a place to stay.

This is fairly common where I live (holiday area). Always sounded like a lot of work to me!

If you did AirBnB then you could end up with a dozen or so people in your home over 5 weeks. Do you want that?

Hmmm. I think if you can find just one person who wants the whole 5 weeks, and especially if like you say they are a local wanting a refurb escape (so not expecting a hotel style place or “host” services) then it could work well.

If you’re going to end up with multiple guests, handovers etc I think it’s more hassle/risk than it’s worth for just one summer.

In your shoes I wouldn’t bother with airbnb but might put some posts up on Nextdoor or similar to see if anyone wants a bolthole.

If you put it on Airbnb you are far more likely to have 10-15 groups wanting a couple of nights than a family wanting 5 weeks.

It is a lot of work to get the property ready, organise changeovers etc. You also need to make sure that your insurance is valid. Be aware that wear and year will be way above normal. People will wear muddy shoes in the house, they will let their kids eat ice-cream on your sofas and they won't use coasters for their mugs. They may also put the heating on even though it is August and then open the windows because they are hot. Not to mention annoying the neighbours with their comings and goings.

Depends how much you want the money.

Air bnb takes around 22% in commission, will let to pretty much anyone, and is a nightmare to deal with if you're the host. The changeovers would also significantly eat into your profit. That's before, as a PP said, your insurance allows it. I'd say don't do it.

My neighbour did this with a rental home and was contacted by an elderly neighbour to say her house was being used as a brothel. My main concern was that she didn't change the mattresses

It's a lot of hassle for such a short time, I couldn't be bothered with all the admin, cleaning etc but if the money is worth it to you go ahead. Make sure you get all your mortgage and insurance stuff sorted out.

Very short amount of time for that much hassle, not to mention the risk of having your house damaged or relationship with neighbours destroyed.

I would worry they would damage or break things or have parties 😯

Thanks you lot...you had me at brothel. Will nix this plan !

You'd be better looking for a short term sublet for the whole time. Maybe English language students on a short course or someone who I looking for something to fill in gap in moving house etc.