13 Things To Look Out For When Renting An Airbnb
Airbnb has revolutionized the way the world takes vacations. People no longer need to scour the internet to search for cabins, apartments, and other unique accommodations. Instead, there is a site that has endless types of accommodations around the world. While booking is easy, finding the perfect place can be challenging, especially if you don’t know what to look out for as you scroll through listings.
Before booking through Airbnb, you should carefully review the cancellation policy as well as any rules and additional policies that the host has. Remember, not everything you see in photos is available for use, and sometimes spaces are shared. Confirm you can easily reach the accommodation within the check-in window, and see if there are any discounts for staying longer. Check for cleaning fees and other hidden charges.
Planning a dream vacation is a lot of fun, but don’t let the whimsy of it all interfere with your good judgment. Airbnb can be a great tool, but there are a lot of variables and red flags you should look out for. Just because something looks perfect in photos doesn’t mean your vacation will be perfect. If you are planning to use Airbnb soon, read all the tips listed below so you can make the best decision when booking your next vacation rental.
13 Tips To Remember When Renting A Place On Airbnb
1. Understand The Cancellation Policy
When you book through Airbnb, you need to realize the host, not the company, dictates the cancellation policy. This means some reservations are nonrefundable from the moment you book, while others you can cancel up until the night before.
Unless your plans are set in stone and you aren’t worried about flight interruptions, it’s smart to choose an accommodation with a flexible cancellation policy. Cancellation policies are listed in detail on every property, so read them carefully before proceeding with your booking.
2. Read The Detailed Reviews
Photos are a great way to get a sense of what a place looks like, but it’s guest reviews that provide you with a clear idea of what it’s like to stay at an accommodation. Reviews can highlight things you can’t see in photos, like the neighborhood, any smells, sounds, nosy neighbors, and other things you not visible in the lising.
Reviews can also tell you if photos are outdated, if the host is accommodating or difficult, and most of all, the previous guests can tell you whether it is a good or bad idea to book this particular accommodation.
Read all the reviews and you may start to notice patterns, good or bad, that can help guide your decision.
3. Be Cautious Of New Listings
If a property on Airbnb looks too good to be true, especially for the price, there’s a chance it is. New listings on Airbnb without any reviews can be red flags. Sure, some hosts offer low prices for their first few visitors who book, and you might end up getting a great deal, but it’s important you know you are going into this property without context.
If you decide to book a property that has no guest reviews, you should only do so if it is refundable. This way, you have the option to reconsider as the date gets closer.
4. Take A Closer Look At The Host
In addition to looking at reviews of the property, you can also look at reviews of the person hosting it. If your potential host has several Airbnb listings, you can view all of the person’s reviews by clicking on their profile.
This will give you a better idea about how long this person has been a host and what people are saying about them. It’s always a plus if you have a host who is helpful, kind, reliable, and responsive to your messages.
5. Find The Property On Google Maps
Another pro tip for those searching for the perfect property on Airbnb is to find the property on Google Maps before reserving. This will allow you to have a street view of the place and also help you understand what is nearby and how to get there.
It’s a way to “test drive” the neighborhood before you book the property. You may even find additional helpful reviews of the place on Google.
6. Look At Check-In And Check-Out Times
It’s important you remember that an Airbnb is not a hotel, and this can become quite evident when it comes to the check-in times. Some properties do not allow late check-ins, and others won’t allow you to enter until after 4 p.m.
You must realize some Airbnbs are run by one person, which means it takes time to clean them, and they aren’t always available. Ensure the check-in times align with your anticipated arrival time before booking.
7. Review The Property Policies And Rules Carefully
Some properties have additional rules and policies you must follow. Some of them are simple and understandable, like where to park. Others, however, might seem strange and very inconvenient.
Ensure you read all the rules laid out by your host. If you object to any of the rules, then you should continue your search.
8. Just Because It’s In A Photo Doesn’t Mean It’s Included
While it’s not very honest or transparent, some Airbnb listings feature photos of things that aren’t included in the rental. Pools, saunas, gyms, and other perks might be located in a building or on a property, but aren’t included in the rental. Instead, there may be an additional charge to use these perks. Even laundry usage may cost extra.
If you want clarification, send a message to your host to confirm everything is included.
9. Understand Private Versus Shared Spaces
Another thing you need to understand when booking an Airbnb is that you may have to share some spaces with others. A hallway and common room are one thing, but you might not want to share a bathroom with several strangers.
Ensure you know what is private and available only to you, and what is shared. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to confirm which doors lock so you know where you can secure your belongings.
10. Ensure There's A Reliable Way To Get There
A tree house, a floating home, and an island oasis are just a few exotic examples of Airbnb properties you can rent. These may all sound bucket-list-worthy, but before you book, make sure you have a way to get there.
You may find a cheap island bungalow only to discover the only way to get there is by a very expensive boat ride. Research and confirm your transportation to and from the accommodation before you book to prevent any costly surprises upon arrival.
11. Are There Any Weekly Or Longer-Stay Discounts?
One way to save big on an Airbnb is to stay longer. Some hosts offer huge discounts for staying two weeks or one month. There are even small discounts for one-week or longer stays at some properties.
If you plan to stay at least one week, see if the host offers any discounts for longer stays. You can do this by adjusting your check-in and check-out dates. If there’s a discount, it will show up when you adjust the date range.
12. See If The Price Changes Based On The Number Of Guests
Just like with a hotel, an Airbnb price may fluctuate based on the number of guests. Ensure that when you search, you include the correct number of guests. If you show up to an Airbnb with more guests than confirmed, your host may request additional compensation or even refuse entry. This is the last thing you want after traveling a long way.
13. Read The Fine Print For Hidden And Additional Fees
Lastly, before you click “reserve,” ensure you are aware of any additional fees. Some properties charge a cleaning fee, which can significantly increase the price of a listing, especially for a short stay.
Other properties charge for electricity, parking, late check-in, and just about anything else you can think of. Factor these fees into your budget and then decide if it’s still a good idea to book the property.
Final Notes On What To Look For When Booking An Airbnb
If you are planning on booking a vacation rental through Airbnb, you should know all the potential red flags before finalizing your booking. Always look for hidden fees, and check out what additional rules and policies your Airbnb host has. Read all the guest reviews to get a full picture of what the property is like, and be wary about booking a property with no reviews. Understand the check-in and check-out policies, and ensure you know the cancellation policy before you book.
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Tom Gaffey is an expert writer who currently resides in Washington D.C. Tom has a passion for real estate and home improvement writing, as well as travel and lifestyle writing. He lived the last twelve years in Hawaii where he worked closely with luxury resorts and event planners, mastering his knowledge of aesthetics and luxury products. This is where he found his passion for home improvement and a keen interest in DIY projects. Currently, Tom resides in Washington D.C, and also working on his debut fiction novel.
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