Airbnb Hosting Tips

Use natural daylight for all photos — turn off overhead lights and open curtains wide.

Shoot from corners of rooms to show maximum space; always include bathroom and kitchen.

Write your title to highlight the single best feature: 'Sunlit studio with sea view, Worli'.

Update your description for every season — monsoon coziness, summer pool access, festival ambience.

Add local highlights: distance to airport, proximity to IT parks, nearest metro station.

Enable Airbnb Smart Pricing as a baseline, then override during major local events (IPL, tech conferences, festivals).

Set your minimum price at 110% of your breakeven — don't let the algorithm go too low.

Offer a weekly discount (10%) and monthly discount (20%) to attract longer stays with less turnover.

Study competitor listings in your building or street — adjust if you're consistently 20%+ higher.

Price higher on weekends and lower on Sunday–Tuesday nights to fill the whole week.

Send a personalised welcome message within 15 minutes of booking — it sets the tone.

Leave a handwritten welcome note and a small welcome gift (biscuits, local snacks, tea).

Create a clear, photo-illustrated house manual — WiFi, AC, geyser, key return, checkout time.

Check in proactively on day 2 via Airbnb message: 'Everything going well? Let me know if you need anything.'

After checkout, message guests thanking them and asking if all was well — before leaving a review.

Use a message template tool (such as Hospitable) to automate check-in instructions 24 hours before arrival.

Always communicate through the Airbnb app — never outside it for payment or booking discussions.

If a guest has an issue, acknowledge within 30 minutes and resolve within 2 hours wherever possible.

Respond to all reviews — professionally and graciously, even the critical ones. Future guests read your replies.

Use a professional cleaning service — not a friend or relative. Consistent quality matters for reviews.

Create a cleaning checklist and inspect the property before every new guest arrival.

Stock consumables in bulk: toilet paper, soap, shampoo, washing liquid, bin bags.

Keep a maintenance contact list (plumber, electrician, AC technician) for fast resolution.

Install a smart lock or key safe — eliminates key handover logistics entirely.

Add amenities guests search for: fast WiFi (test and display actual speed), Netflix, a proper workspace.

Work towards Superhost status — it requires a 4.8+ overall rating, under 1% cancellations and a 90%+ response rate.

List on multiple platforms (Booking.com, MakeMyTrip) and sync calendars via iCal so you never double-book.

Keep your response rate above 90% — Airbnb factors responsiveness into search ranking.

Pay rent on the agreed date, every month, without exception — it is the whole basis of the owner's trust.

Share a monthly statement of occupancy and income, even if the agreement doesn't require it.

Tell the owner about any maintenance issue within 24 hours, with photos.

Make no alterations without the owner's written approval, and keep the handover inventory up to date.