How to manage an Airbnb

Running a successful Airbnb business remotely

Particularly since the Covid-19 pandemic, working remotely has become more popular. Airbnb adopted the remote work initiative, enabling Airbnb employees and hosts to manage their vacation rental property from anywhere. In this blog, SevenStays shares our top tips for running an Airbnb business in the UK remotely and how to measure your success, from the perspective of a professional property management service.  Our expertise in the real property and rental market mean that we can help you to earn the most money from your property.

Consider self-check in

Installing an electronic entrance to your property will give your guests a convenient experience. A keyless entry will allow guests to check in and out of your home as they want, meaning you don’t have to worry about being present when they come and go. 

Keypads, lock boxes and smart locks are popular options for self check-in. Lockboxes are storage devices for keys, in which guests manually enter a code to access a physical key. The box can be installed on the door or a wall, or hidden in a safe place. You can also change the code after each guest’s departure. 

Keypads mean physical keys are unnecessary. You can send guests their code before their arrival, and they can use the same code throughout their stay. 

Smart locks also don’t require a physical key. Guests can open the door using a mobile app or keypad. The smart lock can also be synced with your Airbnb account using third-party software. An email containing the code to access your property is sent to your guests ahead of their stay.

Security Measures

Your guests need to feel safe in your property if they are to leave positive reviews. Therefore, having security measures in place is a real priority if you want your guests to enjoy their stay. Here are some of the things SevenStays recommend you consider.

Lighting: Ensure there is proper lighting, and check the outdoor lights work correctly. 

Security cameras: Think about installing cameras at the front and back entrances to your property, on hallways, or anywhere else that may be necessary. Remember that there should be no breach of your guests’ privacy, however, and you will need to inform Airbnb of the existence of any security cameras. 

Clear entrances: Ensure there are no obstructions near entrances to your property, which could threaten your guests’ safety. 

Emergency contact numbers: Provide guests with emergency numbers, either via email or placed on a notice board. These could include local police, local fire services, and your emergency contact number. 

Alerts and sensors: Install alerts and sensors that will be activated if anything unusual occurs. Ring Security Systems, for instance, allow you to monitor anyone who comes to the front door of a property. 

Supplies

It’s important to ensure that your property includes essential amenities for your guests, particularly as a remote Airbnb host. Basic amenities are all the things which make your home feel like a ‘home away from home’. An Airbnb survey revealed that amenities are a priority for guests, so make sure that you have enough supplies.

Here’s a list of necessary amenities you can provide: 

• Toilet paper, paper towels, napkins and bathroom supplies like shower gel, soap, and possibly shampoo and conditioner. 
• Kitchen supplies – tea bags, coffee filters, sugar. Breakfast services, snacks, salt and pepper, as well as washing up products
• Cleaning items – laundry detergent, surface cleaner, washing up liquid, rubbish bags, and so on, are important so your guests can clean up during their stay.
• Complimentary gift – a bottle or wine or box of chocolates is a nice additional touch that can make guests feel welcome. 

As a remote host, you can order these items from a local supermarket and have them delivered, or you can ask your housekeeper to purchase them for you.

Enlist a professional Airbnb management company

Running an Airbnb business can be stressful; you may not be available, or may not want, to have to liaise with third parties like housekeepers or repair teams around the clock.  We arrange support with any issues for your guests 24/7, be it with amenities or repairs.

SevenStays, an Airbnb management company, takes care of all aspects of the management of your property, contacting you only when necessary. We check in your guests, liaise with cleaners after departure, and ensure that the entire process is efficient and hassle free, from booking to departure.

Our expert team knows how Airbnb works for a landlord or property owner, and we will ensure that your guests have the experience that encourages them to leave positive reviews, increasing your future booking rates. In addition, positive reviews will help with the visibility of your listing on Airbnb, increasing your earnings. In the short lets industry, demand fluctuates over time – we monitor this, and will suggest the most efficient price

At SevenStays, we take care of all guest communication, and keep a record of finances (such as arranging payments to third parties, like cleaning teams), making it easy for you to maximise your property’s potential.