How to Overcome Fears with Sharing Space

We TOTALLY understand your reservations with moving forward. Being a single woman myself at the time, I began my Airbnb journey with my personal home and needless to say, it was a high hurdle to jump. Being responsible for overseeing 80k in renovations coupled with the turmoil and friction broadcast through mainstream media was no joke! Honestly, I thought the renovations were tough, but what took the cake was the idea of sharing my safe space with a stranger for the first time.

But that hesitation, that fear, it’s actually a positive thing. I need you to hear me out for a second, ok? Those emotions can signify the success you can have as a host because fear exposes diligence and attentiveness. Those qualities are foundational attributes to successfully operate short term rentals as they ensure your space is equipped with the proper safety features to appropriately secure yourself, and provide the necessary peace of mind to allow a stranger onto your property. To be frank, safety and security is what we are all after--hosts and guests alike. So the more diligence, the better.

The first layer of security in your due diligence process is turning off the “Instant Book” feature on the platform. This will force guests to interact with you prior to booking so that you may ask whatever questions you need to to gain confidence in the reservation.

The review features of the platform and the customized automated questions before a guest can directly book allows you to get a feel for the guest and gauge whether the reservation will be an amicable one. The way you and I are connecting over the benefits of the short term rental business now, is the same way you can approach the conversation with prospective guests. Though you are connected through Airbnb, making an effort to learn more and engage with them about their journey will allow you to discern your comfort level appropriately and proceed as you see fit.

To be safe, your most precious items should not be left in your space while you are away. Jewelry, electronics, and family memorabilia should be placed in your vehicle or some other alternative outside of the space guests have access to. If needed, you can always designate an area within your space that is for your personal belongings and denote it on your listing’s profile—be it a locked closet in a bedroom or hallway area, a locked trunk under a bed, or the garage/shed area.