Staying With Airbnb? 5 Airbnb Tips Every Guest Should Know
Maybe you missed it, but 2022 is literally here. If you’re fully vaccinated, you’re likely busy planning trips, buying flights, and making plans to do all the things. But, where will you stay?
At The Connect Travel, hotels are our accommodation of choice, but we do love an Airbnb moment. Airbnb is ideal when traveling with a group of friends or family. Airbnb also gives you that unique experience that most hotels can’t seem to deliver. For budget travelers, Airbnb is great for helping your dollars go the distance.
With travel picking back up, it should be no surprise that Airbnb rentals are in high demand. Airbnb is not, however, without its flaws.
So today, I’m going to highlight some of the less-than-stellar aspects of Airbnb and share five Airbnb tips for guests, like you, to help better navigate your next stay.
AIRBNB IMPACTS LOCAL HOUSING COSTS
Studies have shown that Airbnb rentals can lead to increased rent prices. Essentially, the rise of Airbnb has led property owners to turn their long term rentals into Airbnb properties. It also has people on the hunt for their next (or first) real estate investment, so they can list it on the Airbnb platform.
Why?
Because Airbnb hosts can get paid the big bucks.
The downside?
A smaller housing market. The influx of Airbnb listings in a neighborhood means less homes available for rent. Less homes for rent means landlords can increase prices on long term leases.
In short, the more Airbnb listings in a neighborhood, the harder (and more expensive) it becomes for the people living there to stay.
For some property owners, Airbnb is a way to pay their mortgage or to make ends meet. Maybe it’s by listing a room in their home on the Airbnb platform. Maybe it’s by listing their entire home on Airbnb while away on vacation. (These Airbnb scenarios have less of an impact on local housing costs because the owner still lives in the home.)
For others, Airbnb has become a business model. Just take a look at the Airbnb hosts in your city--you’ll surely find property managers and corporate real estate owners with multiple listings.
So, what can you do about this Airbnb dilemma?
Tip: Try to limit your use of Airbnb. If you can, skip Airbnb entirely and stay at a hotel. (It might actually end up being cheaper than that Airbnb you’ve had your eyes on.)
Tip: If you book with Airbnb, opt for home sharers over real estate professionals and property managers. A good place to start is by reviewing the Airbnb host’s profile page.
AIRBNB IS A NUISANCE TO NEIGHBORS
Put yourself in your Airbnb neighbor’s shoes. With Airbnb comes strangers, unwanted parties, and excessive noise. No matter how perfect an Airbnb guest you are, most neighbors are not likely going to be thrilled about your stay.
Why?
Because most people want to keep “nonsense” (Airbnb or otherwise) out of their residential community.
For that reason, you’ll find most hotels are required to be located in areas that are specifically zoned for lodging. Airbnb listings, on the other hand, set up shop in neighborhoods that are typically off limits to hotels.
This Airbnb scenario can be disruptive to residents, can change the makeup of a community, and has the potential to negatively impact quality of life.
So, what can you do about this Airbnb dilemma?
Tip: Be a good Airbnb guest. Honor all of the Airbnb house rules. Be respectful of your Airbnb neighbors.
AIRBNB UPSET A LOT OF CITIES
To put it simply, many cities have been trying to limit the impact of Airbnb by implementing rules and regulations. The most recent Airbnb initiatives relate to the occupancy tax and limitations on short-term rentals.
The Occupancy Tax
The occupancy tax issue is about making sure cities get their fair share from Airbnb. When you stay at a hotel, the hotel charges an occupancy tax. Airbnb was not collecting this tax on behalf of Airbnb hosts, and as a result, cities lost a big chunk of change (assuming Airbnb hosts didn’t pay the occupancy tax on their own). Airbnb now collects this tax in most states, but many cities are still trying to collect the taxes they feel are owed from Airbnb.
The Short-Term Rental Limits
In an effort to protect the local housing market, many cities have set limits (or are working to set limits) on the number of days you can rent your entire home on platforms like Airbnb and where in the city a host can have an Airbnb rental. Airbnb has been less cooperative on this front (read: lawsuits and extensive lobbying efforts).
So, what can you do about this Airbnb dilemma?
Tip: Support local businesses during your stay. Make sure the local community benefits from your visit.
Tip: Stay informed. Be sure to keep up with Airbnb related initiatives in your community and voice your opinion.
THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND
As travel picks back up, join us in our commitment to do good and travel well. Small changes to your travel habits can make a world of difference. Using our Airbnb tips is the perfect place to start.
Feeling inspired? Be sure to watch our free video guide on 5 Tips For Finding Your Next Flight (without breaking the bank).
Your Connect,
Gabriella
Related:
