Rental Property Investor · Chicago Suburbs, IL · Member since 2021 · 75 posts · 54 votes
I own and live in a 1B/1B condo near a cute, thriving suburb of Chicago. I travel a lot, live minimally, and I am strongly considering offering my personal residence on AirBnb whenever I am out of town. Does anyone else do this? What are some tips you'd give a newbie for preparing their personal home (with all my belongings) for guests?
I would say jump in and learn as you go! I slowly started offering my personal residence on Airbnb before eventually turning it into a full-time short term rental. I did not de-personalize at first, though I did store away a few important items.
Just be clear in the description that it is set up as your personal home. If you set up your place using this link, I can provide tips and suggestions on your listing as you get started: https://www.airbnb.com/r/james...
I would buy new sheets, pillows, and towels. Deep clean and all that obviously. Are you able to install a smart lock so that guests can access the condo when you're away?
I have never done this, but you might want to clear out a closet to put all your personal belonging in and lock it up with sign saying owner's area. You have to depersonalize the space for your guests.
I would say jump in and learn as you go! I slowly started offering my personal residence on Airbnb before eventually turning it into a full-time short term rental. I did not de-personalize at first, though I did store away a few important items.
Just be clear in the description that it is set up as your personal home. If you set up your place using this link, I can provide tips and suggestions on your listing as you get started: https://www.airbnb.com/r/james...
I would buy new sheets, pillows, and towels. Deep clean and all that obviously. Are you able to install a smart lock so that guests can access the condo when you're away?
@James Alderman That’s really helpful! I can definitely set up a keypad for keyless entry. I actually recently set up an AirBnb in another unit in my building, and it just occurred to me that I could also rent out my own when I won’t be there.
I have a storage unit I could put some things in when I travel. The process just feels more complicated!
My advice would be to install cameras on the outside of the building so that you can see who / how many guests are entering your place and if they have a party you will know! I am always assured that if there is only guests I know of in the property there is a much smaller chance of it being destroyed. Since its your personal residence I would consider this heavily.
The biggest things we run into with converting homes that were previously a personal residence are that they tend to have too much stuff accumulated. There just tends to be too much of everything...furniture, nick knacks, cookware, etc. I would start by doing a cull of as much as you can while still keeping the essentials. Also, get a serious deep clean before the first guest.
Also, find a closet to put your personal belongings while you are not there and keep that locked.
My advice would be to install cameras on the outside of the building so that you can see who / how many guests are entering your place and if they have a party you will know! I am always assured that if there is only guests I know of in the property there is a much smaller chance of it being destroyed. Since its your personal residence I would consider this heavily.
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Agreed on what others said about installing cameras. Definitely important to keep tabs on the people that are coming in and out of your rental. Make sure you keep your rental stocked with the right amount of toiletries, paper products, cleaning supplies, etc. Set proper expectations for everything that the unit will include and consider making detailed instructions for things people may have trouble using (a hot tub, for example).
@Paul De Luca Thank you for your response! I'll definitely check out the book. I actually have a mentor helping me set up and run one place. I'm specifically looking for tips on STR renting out the place I currently live in. What should I put away when guests come to stay? How should I consider simplifying in general? Etc