10 Tips to Become an Airbnb Host in 2025 – Where to Start & How not to Lose in the First Months
Airbnb is on everyone’s lips and can be very useful when it comes to renting out your vacation rental. Nowadays, most bookings come from the American booking platform together with Booking.com. But how exactly does Airbnb work for hosts? What do they have to do to become a really ‘successful host’ on Airbnb?
Anyone who wants to be a part of Airbnb should think about questions like these beforehand. Once you have decided on this booking channel, we will explain step by step how this platform works, how to set up your own host profile, and give you a few tips.
10 tips to become an Airbnb host
How Does Airbnb Work for Hosts?
There is a reason why Airbnb offers accommodation in almost every country in the world. Its hosts can offer more than just apartments or houses on the platform. The original idea came from “Bed & Breakfast”. That’s why Airbnb hosts can also just rent out a single room (as well as any other type of accommodation).
So, if you only have an empty room in your home, you can still become an Airbnb host and let travelers stay with you for a short time. Renting out an Airbnb apartment can, therefore, be very attractive, and it is worth considering possibly getting a vacation home as an investment. What you need to consider before deciding to become an Airbnb host and some advice is given below!
About Airbnb service fees
When you start looking into Airbnb’s service fees, you quickly realize that it is not so easy to keep track of everything. But don’t worry, because we have summarized all the important details.
Many will be pleased that becoming an Airbnb host is initially free, in the sense that creating an Airbnb profile and listing a property costs nothing. However, this changes as soon as guests start booking your vacation rental or room on the platform.
Service fees are charged per booking, which are deducted as a percentage of the final price. Airbnb has changed the percentage of the fee and the rules on who ultimately pays the fee several times over the years. Currently, hosts pay a 3% service fee per booking. Guests pay an additional 14%, but this affects the total price and, therefore, also you. Guests see this fee before making a reservation. The price breakdown is transparent for guests, too.
About Airbnb service fees
| Fee type | Details | Amount or % | Who pays? | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guest service Fee | A fee charged to guests for using Airbnb’s platform. | Typically 14% (varies from 5% to 20%) based on location and listing type. | Guest | If the price is $1,000, a 14% fee means the guest pays $1,140 total. |
| Host service fee (split-fee model) | Taken by Airbnb from hosts. | 3% of the total booking price. | Host | If the price is $1,000, Airbnb deducts $30, and the host receives $970. |
| Host service fee (host-only model) | In some cases, Airbnb charges the entire fee to the host and doesn’t split it. | 14-16% of the booking price. | Host | If the price is $1,000, Airbnb deducts $140 to $160, and the host receives $860 – $840. |
| Airbnb luxe Fee | Higher service fee for luxury property bookings. | Varies (often higher than standard fees). | Guest and host | Depends on the luxe listing price. |
| VAT on fees | Some countries apply VAT to Airbnb service fees. | Based on local tax rates. | Guest and/or host | If VAT is 10%, an additional $14 is charged on a $140 host service fee. |
| Cleaning fee | Set by the host to cover cleaning costs. | Varies (no standard amount). | Guest | A host may charge a $50 cleaning fee on top of the booking price. |
If you are considering becoming an Airbnb host, you should keep these additional costs in mind and factor them into the financial plan of your Airbnb business plan.
How do I find my way as an Airbnb host?
If you are just becoming an Airbnb host, all can seem a bit overwhelming, and you may not immediately understand how Airbnb works. The good thing is that the platform is very easy to navigate, but if the tips in this article are not enough for you, we can also recommend our Blog, which has many articles about Airbnb and how it works. Here, we have summarized all the steps and FAQ and will take you step by step through the registration process to become an Airbnb host.
Why Should a Host Have an Airbnb Listing?
When going on a weekend trip or a vacation, one of the most important questions is where to stay. Airbnb has been one of the most popular booking platforms for vacation rentals in the USA for several years. In recent years, Airbnb has also become significantly more relevant for hosts in Europe. The advantage of this portal is the personal touch in particular. Guests appreciate the personal contact with Airbnb hosts, as this makes the vacation seem less touristy and has an authentic touch.
In addition, your vacation rental has greater potential to be discovered and recommended by previous guests than, for example, through travel agencies. As far as price is concerned, if you rent out your holiday apartment or room through Airbnb, you can easily compare it with the competition and thus react quickly to competitors. Other booking portals are also interesting for hosts and offer similar advantages, but if you only want to rent out a room or authenticity is particularly important to you, Airbnb should not be missing from your distribution mix.
10 Tips to Become a Successful Airbnb Host
Even if you have already created your own website for your vacation rental, it can still be highly recommended to use external booking channels, especially at the beginning.
Airbnb is a good place to start because it is one of the largest and most crucial booking portals globally. Because the platform has grown so much in recent years, it is no longer enough to be present on Airbnb simply. If you want to become a successful Airbnb host and receive many bookings, you need to set up your profile optimally and stand out from the crowd. Invest a little time and energy in well-written texts, high-quality photos, and loving communication with your future guests, and your work should pay off in bookings.
List clearly all the amenities your Airbnb accommodation have
Basically, create a profile with a photo and description, find out about similar vacation rentals in your city or region, and think about how your vacation rental can be distinguished from the others. Why should a guest book with you and not somewhere else? Use these insights to update and hopefully improve your profile.
Play around with the promotions you can set up on Airbnb – special prices, weekend packages, or even prices on a specific date that is important for your region, for example, because an event is coming up. Stay in touch with your guests after their stay and ask them for a review, which you will also write for each guest. But let’s look at all of this in more detail! These are our top Airbnb tips for you:
1. Completely set up your Airbnb profile
Your Airbnb profile is the most important thing; after all, it contains the listing for your vacation rental or room, the photos of the accommodation, and the description of yourself. Potential guests will use this information to decide whether you are a trustworthy host and whether they like your vacation rental. It is therefore very important to make a serious impression.
Fill out your Airbnb profile thoroughly and honestly
There are always reports of “fake Airbnb profiles” that try to rip off guests. Therefore, accuracy and precision in the information in your Airbnb profile are crucial!
Don’t give false information or vague descriptions that could be misunderstood. Otherwise, you risk disappointing your guests and getting negative reviews that can hurt your business – we’ll come back to this later.
A few Airbnb tips on what to avoid:
- Uploading pictures of the beach without specifying how far it actually is from the house
- Providing a bed size that is inconsistent (not all double beds are the same size)
- Not mentioning whether you live in the house with the guests
Now, we know that vague information should be avoided on Airbnb, but what should you put in your Airbnb profile? Write an inviting description of your apartment and think of a title that will make people click on it. Your title should succinctly summarize the most important aspects of your vacation rental, such as:
- City apartment Blue Business in a perfect location
- More by the sea – cozy holiday home on the beach
- A family vacation in the Alps in a mountaintop chalet
You can try out several titles at the beginning to find the best one. You can also use the title to respond to your area’s season or current events. For example, it can be adapted to the winter and summer months to appeal to seasonal guests. On Valentine’s Day, you can offer special offers for couples, and at festivals in your area, you can offer incentives, especially for young people who travel for them.
After the title and description, it’s time to take professional photos. These should be truthful, high quality, and inviting. Of course, the accommodation must be tidy before you start taking photos. Also, use a good camera and take photos in plenty of daylight. Many Airbnb hosts also get external help for this part.
2. Know the competition and set yourself apart from them
Where do you rent your apartment? Are you the only Airbnb host in the area? What alternatives does a traveler have who is looking for accommodation in your region?
Take a close look at the other offers and compare your holiday apartment objectively with the others. Ask yourself why someone who is currently looking for accommodation on booking portals should choose your holiday accommodation. What makes your apartment special? How can you, as an Airbnb host, offer what potential guests are looking for?
Provide your guests with additional services which can pleasantly surprise them
Simply look at the listings and prices of Airbnb hosts with excellent reviews who are pretty fully booked. This will help you find out what accommodations and experiences guests are looking for. You could look around at other booking portals yourself to make your own marketing strategy even more targeted and add little extras that might bring a lot.
3. Use offers and create a good pricing strategy
Use the promotional options that Airbnb offers you. In the beginning, it may be advisable to start with a lower overnight price. This will get you the first bookings and positive guest reviews.
These will then convince more new guests to book with you, even if your apartment is not well known. In addition to low base prices, you can also set different prices depending on the season or day of the week. This is called dynamic pricing.
- Is there a special event coming up in your area? Create a themed package for your guests!
- Has a guest dropped out at short notice? Promote your vacation rental at the last minute by offering a big discount!
- Is your apartment intended for families? Do not charge an additional surcharge for more than two guests.
Also, look at your competitors’ offers and adjust your prices accordingly.
4. Ask guests for a review
Don’t forget your guests immediately after they check out! A good Airbnb host stays in touch with guests for a while and makes sure that they feel completely comfortable with them! This is not only good for the relationship between you and the guest but also helps you and your listing.
At this point, you can ask guests to give you a good review as soon as they get home. Airbnb, like other platforms, works on the principle of mutual trust and exchange. Positive reviews on Airbnb are incredibly relevant for you as a host – on the one hand, to rank higher on the booking portal and, on the other hand, to convince new customers.
So take the first step and write a review for your guests. Try to write it as personally as possible. This will encourage the guest to write a review of the apartment and you as an Airbnb host.
If you do receive a bad review, you should respond as quickly as possible to limit the damage to your account. If future potential guests see that you are committed and have already solved problems from previous negative reviews, vacationers are more willing to overlook negative reviews.
5. Instant bookings and updated calendar
When looking for accommodation on Airbnb, a person may want to book directly rather than make an inquiry first. If possible, you should, therefore, activate your instant bookings. This allows future guests to book one or more nights with you in just a few clicks.
If you are initially worried about problematic guests, you can use booking requests when you are just becoming an Airbnb host. Over time, however, you should switch to instant bookings if possible. But this also means that your availability calendar must constantly be updated!
- Airbnb does not like it if you cancel bookings frequently and can even penalize you with a lower ranking in the search results.
- Of course, double bookings do not make you particularly popular with guests either.
The best way to avoid such cases is to use a vacation rental channel manager. This allows you to synchronize all information from various platforms (such as your website, Airbnb, Booking.com, and other booking portals). You also can hire a personal Airbnb management assistant, which will manage not only bookings, but also cleaning, reviews, maintenance, etc.
Direct booking vs. platforms
| Factor | Direct booking | Booking platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & Fees | Lower prices (no third-party fees); direct discounts may be available. | Service fees and commissions increase the total cost. |
| Communication | Direct contact with the owner for personalized service. | Middleman communication, which may delay responses. |
| Booking security | May lack buyer protection if the owner is unreliable. | Secure transactions, cancellation policies, and platform support. |
| Flexibility | Custom check-in/check-out, extra services, and personalized arrangements. | Limited flexibility due to platform rules and policies. |
| Refund & cancellation | Policies depend on the owner, may not be as flexible. | Clearly defined cancellation or refund policies for security. |
| Property verification | Risk of misleading listings; due diligence required. | Verified listings with guest reviews and platform monitoring. |
| Payment methods | Direct transfers, often with fewer options. | Multiple secure payment methods, including credit cards and PayPal. |
| Loyalty programs | Possible direct discounts or returning guest perks. | Platforms often have reward programs and discounts. |
| Customer support | Owner-dependent; varies in reliability. | 24/7 customer support and dispute resolution. |
If a booking is received directly via your homepage, this data is automatically recorded as fully booked in your Airbnb listing. This way, you avoid overbookings and angry guests and ensure that your booking rate does not start to stagnate. Because with a channel manager, instant bookings are no problem.
6. Renovate vacation rental or room
No matter how well you maintain or look after your property, at some point, every vacation rental needs renovation. This can not only attract new guests, but will also certainly make your regular guests happy.
Before you start renovating, it is important to plan everything properly. Don’t just buy things, but set a budget and define your priorities. You can avoid any renovations by replacing furniture. In addition, you should remember to use all of your rooms efficiently and, at the same time, pay attention to comfort.
7. Purchase child-friendly equipment
Another tip for successful Airbnb rentals is to adapt the property to families with children or to other target groups. This can make a huge difference if you rent in a family-friendly area, i.e., an area with amusement parks, a well-known play paradise, or an aquarium. You can easily score plus points with parents and children with child-friendly equipment. Extras for babies should not be missing either.
Kids-friendly amenities in accommodation are needed if you want to become a successful Airbnb host very soon
You can score points not only with the equipment but also with an upgrade in terms of safety. After all, a trip is there to relax and spend time together and not to worry about the safety of the children constantly, so show that you, as an Airbnb host, take care of everything important.
8. Network with other successful Airbnb hosts
The vacation rental industry is very well-networked; after all, hosts are also very open people. To be able to respond to trends and news from the vacation rental industry, you must inform yourself. If you are just becoming an Airbnb host and your business is still in its early stages, this is not essential, but over time, you should inform yourself.
But what does that mean? To optimize your listing and your sales, it is important to look at studies and know what is happening in the vacation rental industry in order to react quickly. You can also visit vacation rental trade fairs or exchange ideas with other Airbnb hosts in forums and groups.
9. Engage an Airbnb agency
If you are only renting out your vacation rental as a hobby or, for some other reason, do not have enough time to take care of everything, then an Airbnb agency could be just the thing for you. An agency is there to help you rent out your vacation rental. However, you should be aware that such a service is not free and is usually charged with a percentage fee. You should expect a 15-30% deduction from your income in addition to the normal expenses.
Such an agency is still worthwhile if you do not have enough capacity and time to take care of all the tasks of Airbnb vacation rental business yourself.
10. Hire a professional Airbnb cleaning service
Nowadays, there are more and more hosts who hire professional help to clean their vacation rentals. With all the tasks that come with renting out a property, a thorough cleaning can often be neglected. A cleaning service can not only save you time and effort, but you can also be sure that you are offering your customers a certain standard.
If you can’t clean your apartment thoroughly, it’s better to leave it to the professionals
Here, too, it is important to remember that professional cleaning is associated with costs, but these costs are definitely worth it in the long run and the cleaning fee is broken down transparently at Airbnb so that customers can understand these costs.
Final thoughts
To become a successful Airbnb host, it is not enough to just list your property – it’s about creating a welcoming experience for guests, setting competitive pricing, and maintaining a strong reputation. By optimizing your profile, understanding service fees, offering attractive promotions, and engaging with guests through excellent communication and reviews, you can increase your bookings and maximize your earnings.
Keep your calendar updated, stay informed about market trends, and continuously improve your listing based on guest feedback. With dedication and strategic planning, you can turn your vacation rental into a profitable and rewarding business on Airbnb.
Frequently Asked Questions About
How to Become an Airbnb Hosts
How much does an Airbnb host get paid?
Airbnb hosts earn money based on several factors, including location, property type, occupancy rate, and pricing strategy. Hosts typically set their own nightly rates, but Airbnb deducts a service fee (usually 3% for most hosts). For example:
- A host in Punta Cana, the Dominican Republic, renting out a beachfront villa for $250 per night, with an 80% occupancy rate (24 nights booked per month), could earn $6,000/month before expenses.
- After deducting Airbnb’s 3% fee ($180) and expenses like cleaning, utilities, and maintenance ($1,000), the estimated profit would be around $4,820 per month.
How much can you make hosting an Airbnb?
Your Airbnb earnings depend on your location, property size, occupancy rate, and additional services you offer. Some hosts make a few hundred dollars per month, while others generate six-figure annual incomes. For instance:
- A studio apartment in Miami, Florida, charging $100 per night with 75% occupancy can generate around $2,250/month before expenses.
- A luxury villa in Los Angeles, renting at $1,000 per night, with a 60% occupancy rate, could bring in $18,000/month before costs.
To maximize your income, optimize your listing with professional photos, competitive pricing, and excellent guest experiences.
How much does it cost to start hosting an Airbnb?
The startup costs for hosting on Airbnb vary based on your property’s condition and necessary upgrades. Key expenses include:
- Furnishing & interior design: $500 – $10,000 (depends on property size & quality)
- Cleaning supplies & equipment: $100 – $500
- Photography: $100 – $300 (or free using Airbnb’s service in some areas)
- Smart locks & security: $100 – $500 (recommended for remote check-ins)
- Legal & permits: $50 – $1,000 (varies by city regulations)
- Initial utilities & Internet: $100 – $500
Imagine, you’re starting from scratch with a one-bedroom apartment. In this case, you might need $3,000 – $7,000 upfront. If you’re renting out an existing furnished property, you could start with as little as $500 – $1,000 for minor improvements.
What do you need to become a host on Airbnb?
To start hosting, you need:
- A property to rent (entire home, private room, shared space)
- Legal permission (check local short-term rental regulations)
- Airbnb account (sign up and list your property for free)
- Basic furnishings & amenities (bed, towels, Wi-Fi, kitchen essentials)
- Clear house rules & policies (check-in, check-out, noise, pets)
- Pricing strategy (competitive rates based on market research)
For example, if you have a spare room in New York, you can list it for $75 per night with minimal investment. However, if you’re renting a luxury villa, you’ll need a solid pricing and maintenance plan.
Is Airbnb a good way to make money?
Yes, Airbnb can be profitable, but success depends on location, property type, marketing, and management. Hosts in tourist hotspots often make more than those in areas with low demand.
✅ Pros:
- Higher income potential than long-term rentals
- Flexibility (choose when to rent)
- Diverse guest base (travelers, business professionals, digital nomads)
❌ Cons:
- Seasonal demand (some months may be slow)
- Higher maintenance & cleaning responsibilities
- Regulations & taxes in some cities
A host in Las Vegas might earn significantly during peak months but struggle with bookings in off-seasons. Strategic pricing and additional services (like airport pickups) can improve profitability.
What is the 15% host fee on Airbnb?
The 15% host fee applies to certain hosts using Airbnb’s “Host-Only Fee” structure, primarily for professional hospitality businesses or hosts in specific regions.
Two types of Airbnb host fees:
- A split fee (3% for hosts, 14.2% for guests) is the default for most individual hosts.
- Host-only fees (15% paid by the host) are common for hotels & professional operators.
If you charge $200 per night and use the 15% host-only fee, Airbnb will deduct $30, leaving you with $170 per night before other expenses.
What is the 90 day rule on Airbnb?
The 90-day rule is a legal restriction in certain cities (e.g., London, Amsterdam, San Francisco) that limits short-term rentals to 90 days per year unless you have a special permit.
Cities with the 90-day rule:
- London, UK – no more than 90 days per year unless you get a planning permit.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands – capped at 30 nights per year unless registered.
- San Francisco, USA – hosts must live in the property for at least 275 days per year to avoid restrictions.
If you own an apartment in London and don’t have a special license, you can only rent it out for 90 days per year before Airbnb automatically blocks bookings.
How to start Airbnb?
Starting an Airbnb requires planning, preparation, and strategy to maximize success.
- Check your city’s short-term rental rules and if you need a permit or license.
- Decide whether to rent out a spare room, entire home, or vacation property.
- Furnish it with comfortable furniture, Wi-Fi, kitchen essentials, and amenities. Install smart locks & security features for remote check-in.
- Take professional photos and write a detailed description. Set competitive pricing based on market research.
- Offer discounts for first guests to get reviews. Respond quickly to inquiries to boost your ranking. Consider Airbnb Smart Pricing to adjust rates automatically.
If you have a one-bedroom apartment in Miami, you can list it for $150 per night and target business travelers and vacationers to maximize occupancy.
Is it still profitable to Airbnb?
Yes, but profitability depends on location, expenses, and competition. While some markets are oversaturated, others still have high demand for short-term rentals.
✅ Why Airbnb is still profitable:
- Short-term rentals often earn more than long-term leases.
- You can charge higher prices during peak seasons.
- Smart pricing and good management can boost occupancy rates.
❌ Challenges:
- Higher expenses (cleaning, utilities, maintenance).
- Seasonal demand fluctuations.
- Local regulations and taxes can reduce earnings.
For instance, a 2-bedroom condo in New York City can earn $5,000 per month with Airbnb, while a long-term tenant might pay only $3,500 per month—making short-term rental more profitable.
What percent does Airbnb take?
Airbnb charges hosts either 3% or 15%, depending on their fee structure:
- Individual hosts have 3% service fee (most common).
- Professional hosts & hotels have 15% service fee (host-only pricing).
If your Airbnb price is $100 per night, Airbnb takes $3 if you use the 3% model, leaving you with $97 before expenses. If you use the 15% model, Airbnb takes $15, leaving you with $85 before expenses.
How do I Airbnb my house?
To rent out your house on Airbnb, follow these steps:
- Step 1. Check local laws & get permits. Some cities require a short-term rental license or permit. If you rent your home, check with your host or HOA.
- Step 2. Prepare your house for guests. Declutter & remove personal items from common areas. Provide essentials (Wi-Fi, fresh towels, bedding, toiletries). Install a keyless entry system for easier check-in.
- Step 3. List your property on Airbnb. Take high-quality photos and write a detailed description. Set a competitive price based on local market rates.
- Step 4. Set house rules & cleaning procedures. Define check-in/out times, smoking policy, pet rules, etc. Decide whether you will clean yourself or hire a cleaning service.
- Step 5. Accept guests & start earning. Respond to booking requests quickly. Maintain good reviews by providing great hospitality.
If you own a 3-bedroom house in Orlando, you can rent it for $250 per night and attract families visiting Disney World.
How profitable is Airbnb host?
Profitability depends on location, demand, and operating costs.
✅ Factors that affect profitability:
- High-demand locations (e.g., beachfront, city center).
- Low vacancy rates (consistent bookings = more income).
- Effective pricing strategy (adjusting rates for seasonality).
❌ Costs to consider:
- Mortgage/rent payments (if applicable).
- Cleaning & maintenance costs.
- Airbnb service fees (3-15%).
- Utilities & insurance.
For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Miami can earn $3,000/month on Airbnb but only $2,000/month with a long-term tenant. After expenses ($500 for cleaning & utilities), Airbnb hosting remains $500 more profitable per month.
Can anyone join Airbnb?
Yes, anyone over 18 can become an Airbnb host, but there are some conditions:
✅ Who can host?
- Homeowners and renters (if allowed by their lease).
- People who comply with local rental laws.
- Hosts who provide a safe, clean, and legal space.
❌ Restrictions:
- Some cities ban short-term rentals or require a permit.
- Hosts with criminal records related to property safety may be restricted.
If you rent an apartment in New York City, check if your lease allows Airbnb. Some hosts forbid short-term subletting unless approved in writing.
How you get paid for hosting Airbnb?
Airbnb releases your payout 24 hours after check-in, and you can receive it through. Payment methods available:
- Bank transfer (direct deposit).
- PayPal or Payoneer.
- Western Union (in some countries).
- Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international payments.
If a guest books a 7-night stay for $1,400, and your Airbnb service fee is 3% ($42), you’ll receive $1,358 via your chosen payout method.
Are you supposed to clean Airbnb?
Yes, hosts are responsible for cleaning the property between guests. Options for cleaning:
Self-cleaning saves money but takes time.
Hiring a cleaning service costs more but ensures professional results.
Charging a cleaning fee ($50-$150 per stay).
A host in Los Angeles charges a $100 cleaning fee for a two-bedroom apartment, which covers the cost of a professional cleaner after each stay.
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