Airbnb Host Requirements – Everything You Need to Know

Becoming a host on Airbnb can be a very rewarding decision. You can have the flexibility of earning a side income or even pursuing it as a career. Furthermore, it is also rewarding in that you will meet people from around the world. However, there are some Airbnb hosting requirements that you need to keep in mind.

Your responsibilities as a host are first and foremost the safety of your guests. Ultimately, your job as a host doesn’t stop when your guests arrive. You must ensure that guests are safe, and comfortable, and know their way around, as well as be there to help if and when it’s required. Airbnb has set out some guidelines that potential hosts should adhere to, to provide 5-star service for every guest. 

Basic Requirements For Hosts

Four basic Airbnb hosting requirements must be followed to remain on the platform and be successful.

1. Maintain a Basic Minimum Rating From Reviews

If you provide great service, a clean listing, and a safe all-around experience for your guest, they will more than likely leave a positive review. While there is no minimum rating to keep your status as a host, it helps keep the bookings flowing. It is also how Airbnb keeps track of your hosting progress. Hosts have the opportunity to leave reviews for their guests and can leave a comment on the guest review in response. Note that even if you do receive a negative review you may be able to get it removed.

2. Be Responsive

If a guest has a question, being responsive can be the difference between securing the booking and not. That’s not to say you should sit with the app open all day and wait for a message to come through. Rather, you should keep notifications turned on so you know when a guest is trying to contact you and respond as soon as possible.

Airbnb also records and displays ‘response time’, so guests with a relatively high response rate will usually attract more attention. Hosts are asked to respond to inquiries within 24 hours, but realistically, the quicker the better.

3. Maintain a High Acceptance Rate

As a guest, sending a request to several listings isn’t ideal. That is why Airbnb insists that if you have free space in your calendar, you should accept the booking. If you require a day to clean up after check-out, make sure to mark this down on the calendar and block it off right away.

If you want to manage your calendar more efficiently, especially if you are just starting as a host, turn ‘instant book’ off, because as soon as you turn it on, bookings can come flooding in. Once you have your bearings on the site and know your way around, the instant book feature can be very handy.

4. Avoid Cancellation

When a guest books with you, their travel plans depend on you. Canceling a booking only a few days out can leave guests stranded, worried, and confused.

Only cancel a booking if you really must, and for viable reasons only. And no, receiving a separate booking request for a longer stay during the same timeframe isn’t a valid reason to cancel a current booking.

Maintaining A High Rating

Hosts who consistently maintain a rating per guest of 4 and above usually excel in the following areas:

Necessary Amenities

• Soap/ Body wash/ Shampoo
• Toilet Paper
• Clean bedsheets and at least one pillow per guest
• Towels – one per guest

Providing these is not technically required but it’s strongly recommended (and generally expected by guests). If you provide all of these “essential” amenities you can also note it on your listing.

Excellent Hygiene

• Listing should replicate listing photos in terms of cleanliness
• No dust, rust, grease or grime on any surface
• Ensure you give yourself enough time to properly clean between guests

Cleanliness is an essential Airbnb hosting requirement. If you can, leave a day between check-ins so that you can thoroughly clean the space. It also gives you some leeway in case you have other tasks to do that day; saves rushing around.

Charging guests a cleaning fee is also an option. Yes, it is a little extra, but you can use this money for cleaning products, meaning you need not dip into your pocket.

For cleaning on the go, especially if you provide cookware (highly recommended), leaving some basic clean-up equipment will help you after they’ve checked out. All you need to leave is a mop, cloth, and disinfectant spray, and let the guest know that, should they require any clean-up equipment, it is waiting for them!

Check-In

A seamless check-in will instantly help the guest feel more comfortable. This is your first chance to reassure them that should they require anything, you’ll be there to assist. First impressions are everything. Some things to remember are:

• Coordinate a check-in time at least 24 hours before the arrival date. Whether you are meeting them at the airport, train station, or in front of the listing, setting a meeting time will help your guest feel reassured in often an unknown city.
• If your guest will be traveling to your place from an airport or train station, proactively reach out to them and give them exact directions. Let them know how much it will cost for public transport as opposed to a taxi/ride share. Creating a check-in guide and house manual will allow you to place everything in one document and send it to guests a day or two before arrival.

Listing Accuracy

Keeping your listing relevant and up to date is key to bettering the experience, both for you and for your guest. Providing clear and concise information will help the guest decide if it is suitable for them.

• Location is up to date
• Sleeping arrangements, guest capacity, bathroom pictures and information is accurate
• Any amenities provided are present and are able to be used
• Photos are similar, if not identical to actual listing

Any extra information such as uncontrollable street noise (i.e. construction or trains), as well as considerations such as no elevator for a high-floor apartment, should be relayed to guests.

Providing 5-star Service

Now you know all the Airbnb hosting requirements, as well as some extra tips to go above & beyond. This should ensure that you’re off to a great start with your new hosting business and that your guests will be fully satisfied.

By providing accurate details, prompt communication, and a spotless listing, you are well on your way to providing the high-quality experience that guests expect.