5 tips for investors looking to get into Airbnb | Inman Article

Useful information to enter in the Airbnb renting business

1. Vet guests
2. Check you insurance
3. Check condo rules
4. Know municipal restrictions
5. Be aware of taxes

Vet guests

“If you vet your prospective guests correctly and manage expectations, you will have a positive experience,” Heatheran Kristopher, SRCI Group International consultant, said.
Things get riskier when an incoming guest has never tried Airbnb housing before, and he or she doesn’t know what to expect from the process. She stresses that “giving those guests attention upfront is a must to ensure that they have a pleasant experience.”

Beef up insurance

Before renting out property, homeowners need to check in with their insurance agent.

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“The insurance industry has not caught up with the latest trends in technology and real estate,” James Steele of S&T Insurance Agency explains. “Nine out 10 times policies have strict exclusions for short-term rentals.”
Most homeowner’s insurance policies carry a business pursuit’s exclusion, and liability falls on the homeowners.
While Airbnb and other hosting sites offer trip protection to their users, make sure to consult with your insurance provider. Remind your clients that insurance is complicated and that waiting until they actually have a claim is not the best time to sort out their coverage.

Check condo rules

Chances are, your client’s condo bylaws or rules and regulations prohibit short-term rentals. Make sure your client reviews his or her condo documents carefully.
It is typical for a condo association to require a minimum lease term for any renters, and a requirement for association board approval is also typical.
Know municipal restrictions
Make sure you know your local laws. For example, in my neighborhood in Newport, Rhode Island, we are not permitted to accept a rental term of less than one month’s duration.
We are also required to register our property as a short-term rental with the city prior to rental commencement and post the registration up inside the front door for our tenants to easily see.

Be aware of taxes

Income earned from short-term rentals is taxable income. Some state and municipalities apply additional taxes to short-term rentals, namely sales tax and occupancy tax. Knowing what taxes to expect in your locality is a must prior to engaging in the short-term rental business.
From the income potential to the incredible cultural experiences, Airbnb and the like open up traveling and the ability to earn extra cash to a lot of people. Done right, it’s a great experience for all involved.

Article credit Inman