All Forum Posts by: Josh Sedivy

You’re not alone, this is a common challenge for hosts. Set clear, friendly expectations from the start, keep good documentation, and don’t hesitate to enforce your policies calmly. Staying professional goes a long way, most guests respond well when treated with respect.

Thanks for sharing this. Airbnb’s decision to restrict the collection of security deposits is a significant change, especially for hosts like you who have relied on it for peace of mind. It can be challenging when the platform makes changes that feel like they limit your control. However, it’s clear that you’re an experienced and thoughtful host, and with a few proactive adjustments, you can still put strong safeguards in place.
We usually use Safely, which might help you too, as it provides additional protection beyond Airbnb’s coverage. Also, vetting guests thoroughly before accepting bookings can add an extra layer of security.

It sounds like you had an unfortunate situation, but you’re right to approach it thoughtfully.

Backyard neighbors & sirens: This is tough, but it might be helpful to mention in your listing if the area can be noisy, especially during certain times of day.

As for the refund, if the guest contacts Airbnb, they might ask for compensation. If that happens, just explain the situation honestly. Typically, we proactively let guests know that if they decide to leave early, we can open up the calendar and offer a refund if the dates are rebooked.

For a 4-bedroom, 5-bathroom short-term rental in Texas, your monthly cleaning and maintenance costs can vary depending on several factors such as the level of service, and the quality of the professionals you hire. As for home warranties, they can be useful for major breakdowns but have limitations like service fees and exclusions.

We use Safely for insurance which have coverage for damages, and helps protect the property.

The Ring Video Doorbell is a good choice for front entry monitoring. It offers HD video, two-way audio, and motion detection. You’ll get notifications on your phone whenever there’s activity.

When setting up your STR, it's not just about having the right people in place, it's about setting the right expectations. Start with a solid guest experience plan. Think about check-in and check-out times, how you'll manage guest inquiries, and whether you want to implement self-check-in with a smart lock. Also, consider adding personal touches that make your place stand out, like a welcome guide or local recommendations for guests. Having systems in place early for guest communication and cleaning schedules can help prevent stress later. And don't forget, having a backup cleaner or handyman on standby can be a lifesaver when unexpected issues pop up.

Welcome, and good choice with Laguna Beach. It’s a solid short-term rental area with strong demand. Since you're getting started, make sure to get the right licenses.

For vendors, local STR Facebook groups are helpful. You can also consider asking for recommendations from local property management companies or checking with other property owners in the area.

I agree with @Michael Baum managing remotely is very doable, especially in a metro area with plenty of cleaners and handymen. The key is building a reliable team and using automation like smart locks and security systems. Once systems are in place, it runs smoothly.

Investing in a cabin requires careful research, especially if you’re a first-time investor. Start by reaching out to the property management to ask for details about how the cabins are performing, like occupancy rates and rental income. Check out other cabins in the area on Airbnb or VRBO to understand how much they charge and how often they’re booked. Make sure there are no local rules or regulations that could limit short-term rentals. It’s also a good idea to talk to other investors who own cabins in the area to get their feedback. This will give you a better sense of what to expect and help you make an informed decision.

You might want to raise the pet fee to $150 to cover cleaning costs. Also, update your policy to state that pets must not be left unattended unless in a crate. This will help prevent messes and damage. Providing pet covers and cleaning supplies can also help. Make sure your house rules set clear expectations for cleaning up after pets and any additional fees for excessive mess.