How to become a Host on Airbnb

If you're thinking about hosting but aren't sure how to attract guests or create a great guest experience, you're not alone. Becoming a Host on Airbnb is a fun, rewarding way to connect with new people and earn extra money, and it's normal to have many questions at the start.

Here's what you need to do to begin hosting.

1. Assess if your space is a good fit

No space is too small or too unique to list on Airbnb! There's a guest for every space – you just need to set clear expectations by honestly and accurately describing your place's features, from narrow doorways to rustic staircases.

It's also important to find out what laws and taxes apply to short-term rentals in your area before you begin hosting. Airbnb can't provide legal guidance or tax advice but can help you find information about hosting regulations.

2. Get your space ready for guests

Do you have a unique collection of vintage Bollywood film posters or a stack of fascinating art history books? Showcase your distinctive personality and charm by sharing your intriguing possessions with your guests. Let them experience the magic of your curated collection during their stay with you. Show them off!  Including personal details can always make your listing stand out.

As you're sprucing up your place, remember to remove clutter and provide basic amenities, such as toilet paper, soap, and towels, to help create a great experience for your guests. Extra touches, such as a box of traditional Indian sweets or a locally sourced bottle of masala chai, can also make guests feel special.

3. List your space

It's completely free to list your space. Airbnb charges a service fee only when a reservation is confirmed. This fee is typically 3% of your booking subtotal, and it helps cover the costs of running Airbnb, such as 24/7 customer support, Host protections, and more.

We strive to simplify listing your space – you can even set up your listing in 10 easy steps. We're always here to help if you have questions, and there are many ways to connect with other Hosts.

"In India, you'll be able to be connected to a Superhost Ambassador like me," says Superhost Madhumita. "We're here to help make this process as smooth as possible for you."

As you add your listing details, pay special attention to your photos because they're often the first thing guests notice before booking. Some Hosts hire professional photographers, and others use their smartphones to take amazing photos that capture their space's details and spirit.

List your space

4. Decide how you'll host

You'll always have full control over when and how you host on Airbnb. Using the calendar and booking settings, you can manually block days that your space is unavailable, choose specific check-in and checkout times, set a minimum or a maximum number of nights guests can stay, and more.

You can also use your house rules to set expectations for guests and spell out what is and isn't allowed in your space.

5. Set your price and get paid

What you charge on Airbnb is completely up to you. When setting your pricing strategy, consider what others in your area charge, the amenities you offer, and the time of year. This can help you find a price that feels right for you and your guests.

Airbnb makes it easy to set up your payout method in the Payments & Payouts section of your account. Payout methods include bank transfers or direct deposit, debit cards, and UPI, depending on where you're based.

Where to find support and resources

It's important to remember that you're not alone in your hosting journey. Airbnb supports Hosts in many ways. Join Ask Me Anything sessions on SHEROES to gain more insights and get support.

Ready to become an Airbnb host? Follow Airbnb and Travel Community on SHEROES for free expert tips and guidance. Join us now to start your exciting hosting journey!  

Become a Host

The Hosts featured in this article and video are not Airbnb employees, nor do they work under the direction of Airbnb. As Host Creators, they partnered with Airbnb to share their thoughts and create this video. Any opinions, anecdotal information or testimonial statements made are truthful, their own and are not official statements of Airbnb.