7: Five Common Mistakes Airbnb Hosts Make (and How to Avoid Them!)

Hey there, it’s Brittany, and welcome back to The Airbnb Roadmap! In this episode, I’m spilling the tea on the top five mistakes I see short-term rental hosts make all the time—and more importantly, how you can avoid them. Whether it’s understanding your market, furnishing your space, or keeping up with maintenance, I’ve got tips to help you skip the headaches and save yourself time, money, and stress. Stick around until the end, because I’ll reveal the biggest mistake that could cost you thousands and even derail your hosting career!

1. Know Your Market

• Tailor your property to match the needs of your guests and your area.
• Example: At a ski resort? Think ski racks and boot warmers. Near a family-friendly spot? Baby gates and kid-sized amenities can go a long way.

• Skip the super pricey or flimsy furniture and go for medium-grade pieces that look great and last.
• Pro Tip: Materials like leather or faux leather are easy to clean and perfect for high-traffic rentals.

• Fix problems quickly—your guests will notice, and reviews matter!
• Be upfront about temporary issues, like a broken coffee maker, so guests feel informed and cared for.

• If your listing says “fully stocked kitchen,” make sure it’s stocked for your max guest count.
• Bonus Tip: Stay in your own rental for a few days after setup to catch anything you might’ve missed.

• You’ll have to listen to the episode for this one, but trust me, it’s a game-changer!

Whether you’re a new host or a seasoned pro, we’ve all made mistakes. This episode is your shortcut to avoiding common pitfalls and leveling up your hosting game. Learn from my experience so you can spend more time enjoying those five-star reviews and less time sweating the details.

• Start Your Airbnb Profile: Ready to begin hosting? Get $48 back when you start your profile using this link. I’ll be here to guide you every step of the way!
• Connect with Me on Instagram: Follow me @theairbnbroadmap for behind-the-scenes content, tips, and updates.

Have you ever made one of these mistakes or come up with a clever way to improve your rental? Tag me on Instagram at @theairbnbroadmap and share your story—I’d love to hear from you!

Are you a real estate agent looking to specialize in short-term rentals? Let’s chat! This niche is wide open in many markets, and with the right strategy, you can dominate. DM me on Instagram, and we’ll get started.

Enjoyed this episode? Don’t keep it to yourself! Subscribe to The Airbnb Roadmap and share it with anyone who’s looking to become a better host. Together, we can build smarter, more successful STR businesses!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Common Airbnb Mistakes

01:53 Understanding Your Guests and Market

06:00 Cleaning, Maintenance, and Furniture Choices

11:57 Delivering on Promises and Marketing Essentials

17:58 The Importance of Marketing and Professional Photos

24:50 The Critical Need for Licensing in Short-Term Rentals