Airbnb positioning be be more LTR

21

Same experience as you! I get a separate contract for ALL guests—guests staying 1-27 nights have to sign an Occupancy Agreement, and guests staying 28+ nights have to sign a month to month rental agreement.

Since the pandemic, I’ve only done stays of 28+ days, and no problems so far. It’s a LOT less work. And, most of them, after the first month, I’ve been able to convert them to direct booking with me, putting more money in my pocket, and costing them less—and preventing the nonsense of trying to comply with AirBnB’s cleaning protocol. No horror stories to relate so far…but I’m in West Virginia which, along with Arkansas, is one of the landlord friendliest states in the country. Should I run into a problem where I’d need to evict, it’s easy and fast here.

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22

I do long term rentals and there is no advantage for me in using Airbnb.

My long term tenants are credit checked, have previous landlord references. I take a substantial deposit and a contract.

Even if signing a separate contract using Airbnb - why would I want to pay Airbnb fees and have no deposit ?

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23

@Keugenia
30+ night bookings can work well. I’m glad they’ve helped you during this strange past year.

@Helsi airbnb commands an exposure I can’t get with Facebook or other private posting. Like @Keugenia it isn’t uncommon that after an initial stay the guest contacts me directly for a future stay.

24

I’ve had great results with Furnished Finders since we opened again. The last three travel nurses have been perfect guests. I like the fact that they’re gone most of the time. I have found them to be excellent
communicators and very professional. Plus I collect any deposit amount l want.

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25

@MtnGal How long do they usually stay. Here I don’t think we can have anyone on STR for more than 28 days.

26

Usually 6 to 12 weeks. I always get a rental lease completed. Why can’t you do more than 28 days?

27

I can’t find the ordinance now, but short term stays in part of your house are limited to 30 days. I really don’t want to have people here for that long, but thought I’d ask how long the nurses stay. Thank you.

28

Yes, it’s true that you can’t limit the amount of nights on VRBO. I actually called and asked, and they suggested just blocking out a night every so often. Which, of course, is bad for everyone’s business, but they seem fine with that. I’ve been blocking every other Tuesday.

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29

LOL! Deserves lots more hearts but I can only give one.

30

We will NEVER, EVER, EVER (in case 1st “ever” was missed) do LTR with Air or ANY OTA.
EVER …
.
1st month, last month, plus security, and Direct Contract. Thank you very much! Never a vacancy and always got paid!

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31

I’m always looking to learn something new for my business. What platform did you use to find tenants?

32

A good question. Over time, our methods have changed. For the last 5-7 years or so, we just list on Zillow and Facebook. We gave up on CL - as a platform it has become useless (used to be great - but they do nothing to control bots/scammers/etc).
.
Zillow automatically cross-lists on trulia & hotpads. The quality of tenants we get through Zillow are rather good overall, with few “good luck to you” applicants.

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33

Of course. They “deal with squatters” by telling the host to deal with it themselves. They delegate. It’s the sign of a true leader.

34

Visualising the specialist Airbnb SWAT team who will fly into any country in the world and manhandle the miscreants out of your listing and one specialist standing on the side writing the cheque as a refund to the guest. The rest of the team are wearing blinkers so they cant see the damage… :rofl:

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35

I have a townhome that I rent on FF. It has been a smooth experience so far. Typically, the nurses (some other traveling professionals use this as well) stay three months. They get a per diem from the travel company. I typically get 150% higher rent that market rates due to it being furnished and utilities included. Nurses are vetted, background checks due to jobs, AND they have a home somewhere else since they are traveling (no squatting). They have been mature, professional, hard working folks who take good care of your place. There is not the silliness of service animal games, the support of FF is outstanding and responsive.

To the point of this tread though, FF is a great option, but I make triple he income in my Air BB rental and is the reason that I tolerate the Air BB nonsense.

Hope my perspective is helpful

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36

Strategically riding the brand value (ie moneterising the brand value on the balance sheet and shifting it to income), or falling through the quality layers towards total open season on hosts and guests (whats the term?) Classic. Can turn it around befoer it hits zero…but may inflate again with experiences. Interesting - I booked my accomm and experiences trhough tripadvisor 10 years ago. Whats new.