Matthew Ashton

Written by

Matthew Ashton

2 minute read

Updated 21st August 2024

Airbnb hosting is a great way to earn passive income while you’re abroad. But how do you get started? Read our short Q&A-style guide below to learn more.

Is it a good idea to rent out your home while you are abroad?

Lots of people feel naturally unsure about the idea of opening their home to strangers, but don’t worry – Airbnb offers hosts robust protection and reimbursement in case anything was to go wrong.

How many days a year can I rent out my home on Airbnb?

According to Airbnb, you can short-let your home for as many days as you’d like, but if you exceed 140 days then the property is legally considered a self-catering property and will therefore be subject to the government’s business rates. Find out more here.

How do I set myself up as a host?

Becoming an Airbnb host is easy and free. You simply sign up online and won’t have to pay anything until your first guest is confirmed. After signing up, Airbnb will match you with a Superhost (a high-rated, experienced host) in your area who will be able to answer any questions you have.

What insurance do I need?

Airbnb offers robust protection for hosts and their properties in the form of guest identity checks, reservation screening, damage protection, liability insurance, and a 24-hour safety line.

It’s important that you notify your broker before taking any steps to let your property, as hosting may have a knock-on effect on terms of your insurance and your premium.

Our top tips for Airbnb hosting

Securing your valuables

You’ll want to secure any valuables that can’t leave the property. Some hosts put them in a safe, while others like to designate a whole room that’s not accessible to guests via a padlock or similar.

Make sure you also create a home inventory to catalogue each of your possessions – as well as the condition they’re in – in case anything goes missing or is damaged.

Create a house manual

Though the inner workings of your home are obvious to you, they might not be to a stranger. Consider creating a house manual for your guests, with information on how to work key appliances, like the thermostat and washing machine, as well as anything else guests are likely to have questions about.

Hosting doesn’t have to be a full-time job

Fielding questions, sorting out guest queries, repairing and maintenance…hosting can be a full-time job. But it doesn’t have to be; a short-let management company can take key host responsibilities off your hands and be the first port of call for your guests. Remember that you get to decide the level of work you take on as a host.

Is your home high-value?

Whether you’re embarking on your Airbnb hosting journey or have decided it’s not for you, your home deserves protection. Click here to find out if you qualify for Stanhope’s high-value home insurance.

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The team at Stanhope are exceptional, their attention to detail and drive to understand what insurance cover we needed for our life and lifestyle is second to none and i cannot recommend them highly enough. we wouldn’t use anyone else

Verified 5 Star Review

Sources

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/3142

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/article/1379

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host/homes

Written by Matthew Ashton

I started working in the insurance industry in 2004. Four years later, I left to focus on theological studies, working as a youth worker and then as a ministry director in Seattle, USA. When returning to the UK, I had an opportunity to work for the late Andrew Marchington. I joined his firm as a sales advisor when it had around ten staff members. Within three years, I was Head of Ops with a staff team of over 30 people. After a chance encounter in 2019 with Rachel Living and Will Cooper, I co-started Stanhope to build a high-value home, luxury watch, and jewellery broker synonymous with trust. I love being with Donna, my wife, and four kids when not working, cramming in the odd row, or run when I can. I am fortunate to love what I do and consider it a blessing to grow the Stanhope brand.

Matthew Ashton

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