We long ago decided that if we charged like a $35/night motel, those are the kind of guests we would get! And we were proved right.
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a friend suggested I do airbnb, she does. I am in prime location;& cld rent out a cot or couch. I am in one bedroom shared bath .it would be like temp roommate, I need to keep bedroom to store things away. I am concerned abt all the things that could go wrong. Re cleaning fee; I hate cleaning. there would be clean linen towels-1X, not wanting to be a maid, I would have to have someone in for 2 -3 hrs to scrub- in LA bonded cleaning service, $75 for 2-3 hrs min. I expect higher utility costs. cleaning fees seem to be standard Explain that any cleaning fee in motel or hotel is included in cost, plus LA charges 12% tax on room. I think friendly, cozy near everyhting, don’t have to rent car, unless want to go to disneyland. wld want someone looking to sightsee, or new to LA , wants safe well situated place is this realistic.
it is the tyranny of the buyer; I find this on ebay. extortion bec they know we need good feedback.
I already see, I can’t offer wifi- new scam; or even promise tv- don’t want them to use stove/oven, too much cleaning. thought microwave & frige, 1 set clean sheets & towels, 1 person, no pets smoking or overnite guests. I am worried about theft. giving out keys. I see some asking for security deposit. prepay Paypal- I would be assured of payment- they would have paypal guraantee. or does airbnb get invoved in payment . do I have to accept airbnb for payments.
airbnb should know they are coming into someone’s home as guest. less than motel/hotel.
I think you are underestimating the work involved and would be better off with a roommate.
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thanks. my single friend is doing it successfully. I don’t want anyone full time, or someone who wants to hang around. visitors will go out sightseeing. 1 person or couple. I really don’t want full time roommate who will stay home. 10 days max a month, or less. my biggest concern is safety. do people think aribnb comes with maid service. clean sheets towels 1x, laundry available. no maid service, no food, no shampoo, no wifi- most ppl have their own cell phone. if clean bed, safe, well located space isn’t enough, then I am not for them.
when I traveled europe, I stayed in pensions. clean sheets 1X week, no shampoos, breakfast, kitchens, sometimes shared bathrooms. yes private room.
if it doesn’t work ,then OK. but roommates, No
if someone is in a shared apt
the entire apt, gets dirty. floors tiles, counter surfaces, furniture dust; toilets all have to be cleaned, more so when more ppl. I don’t wear shoes indoors, & still I am amazed at dirt. it’s city living,& i don’t face the street traffic, there is no such thing as "being clean"
here I would need to get bonded cleaner- I hate cleaning, that’s $75 minimum for living room, kitchen bathroom, scrubbing tiles, sweeping floors, where does all this sticky stuff & dirt come from anyway.
I can offer relatively quiet, very safe & well located place to stay. less then even motel; but it is shared space.
I know if I do this it has to be on my terms; I can offer a lot of advice on where to go, what to see, best way to do things. hey, buy yr own food, snacks & shampoo-
my real concern is my safety * stealing.
Ha. In your dreams. 
If they stick around inside longer than I like in Hawaii then it can happen anywhere.
I don’t mean to sound snarky, but it sounds to me like you have a picture of an Airbnb guest who can be controlled and told how to be. That’s a pretty tall order.
If you do this, make sure your listing is really really clear. If you hate cleaning, you will need to get used to guests who leave messes, stains and trash. Unless you are really really clear. And even then you can’t control the guests the way it sounds like you are planning to. If you try you could get some pushback or bad reviews.
I think people hear about their friends doing it and they think it’s just easy money. Well it really isn’t. It’s hard work. It’s like any job. Sometimes you will have to work when you don’t want to. Sometimes you will have people around when you don’t want them. Sometimes you will get really badly behaved or unhappy guests. Sometimes you will get people using your stuff or your kitchen when you told them not to. Sometimes you will have them stay in all the time. Sometimes you won’t be able to get cleaners to come in. Sometimes you will have to find new cleaners on a dime. Sometimes…blah blah blah… you get the drift.
You have to provide basics like soap, shampoo/body wash and towels. It’s expected.
I would just temper your expectations and disclose everything in your listing description.
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first, I am not sure if this is for me bec I am concerned about safety & theft.
2nd I am in Los Angeles. PPL come here to see the sights. if someone wants to stay in & watch netflix, that would be pretty stupid, but OK. can’t imagine why anyone would go to Hawaii & stay in, do you have pool, sundeck & view? I have been dealing with public for years, some are jerks. some are nice genuine PPL…
I only plan to have 1 person, maybe a couple.
it isn’t a matter of controlling
they are going to be like temp roommates; no maid service; buy yr own stuff.I don’t use oven- stove top & counters get dirty quickly.plan to get microwave which I havent had for 7 years.-no coffee maker, makes a mess.
I had unwanted house guest, who wanted to eat my food, never gave him key. I kept fridge empty. asked if I had gold chain he could borrow- knew I would never get it back, said NO
no I don’t want full time roommate; shared 2 times with friends I knew; within 2 months we weren’t friends anymore.
I checked & there is new scam, claim wifi didn’t work, when it does, airbnb immediately refunds 25%;
as for offering soap shampoo body wash, or snacks-when I stayed in pensions in europe; sometimes shared bathroom; I provided my stuff. sheets only changed 1X week; not enough towels.
I think there will be extra cleaning, city apts get dirty; extra utility costs. I clean, but know all the scrubbing I would have to do, no I need to hire bonded cleaning -
maybe I’ll buy some small personal soaps, no shampoo body wash, snacks. coffee or breakfast- across the street there is a subway, several fast foods, a coffee donut shop; cool cafes & restaurants. sheets & towels yes,
no overnight guest- I am vegetarian, no cooking meat; no illegal drugs- drinking Ok beer/wine. No smoking (hotels have smoke free rooms now) if someone doesn’t like it let them go somewhere else
I don’t want anyone here too long, few days, week; & only max 10 days month.
I wonder about this code to lock door; seems only on bottom lock not better top lock-
don’t have to give out key- change code. most ppl have their own cell phones
because I am wary, probably will be around.
some of what I am reading mainly how airbnb treats their hosts, gives me doubt.
I’ve been reading for 6hrs now.
there is a tyranny of buyers, have that on ebay.
I am offering clean, safe, quiet place in good area, near most things (not disneyland * or mailbu or venice beach) metro goes to beach…
so I take what you are saying & believe you
but really, let them go elsewhere, if they don’t like my rules
I am more worried about theft. & now how airbnb treats its hosts.
It sounds to me like:
-
you don’t really want to be hosting another person in your space at all, under any circumstances. Period.
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You’re not in Europe, so you will have guests with different expectations (than what it would be like in a pension)
Maybe it would be helpful to ask yourself if you were going to another country to stay and used Airbnb and had all of these rules, would you feel comfortable staying there?
It sounds like you’re expecting nothing but misery, so why bother if you’re going to be unhappy and your guests may be, as well?
With so many negative expectations/experiences, perhaps there’s something else you can do for the income that won’t make you so unhappy?
Best of luck!
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I think if you are only renting out a couch or cot, that your earnings would be small. And not enough to cover someone else cleaning. You could do one night max, then they won’t need a key. Depending on location, the market for a couch is probably not enough to make a difference, especially with all the limitations.
Yes, she’s already getting a good deal, and she chose Airbnb over a hotel. Stick to your guns, nicely. Explain to her that she’s being charged a one-time fee for the work you do getting rooms ready, rather than a higher fee that’s part of a daily hotel fee. If she doesn’t like it, that’s on her. She can cancel. If she gives you a poor review in retaliation, that’s also on her, and Airbnb can have it removed. Just make sure all of this correspondence is done on the Airbnb message platform and that your tone is always friendly and professional.
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That’s cleaning. That’s why it’s called a cleaning fee. We also clean the rooms, vacuum, clean the bathroom top to bottom, touch up the bathroom during a stay, etc. It’s cleaning.
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well Barbara
I would be very happy if I traveled & had somewhere to stay with yes all my restrictions & benefits
there are plenty of vegetarian/vegan non smokers -do not want to stay in smokers room.
but I am not restricting someone’s life style or eating habits or personal CHOICES
NO, I do not think its my job to provide soap shampoo snacks or a place to bring strangers in from the club or use illegal drugs.
in LA they are VERY strict about check out & check in times. & WILL CHARGE YOU an extra day, just put it on yr card. most rooms are now non smoking- No smoking in clubs, public buildings restaurants theaters & bars. in CA I think NY & other major cities,
NO unregistered guests. the white linen has been washed in bleach, rough & smells, & the room smells like lysol. & yes, I stayed in local place that had bugs. had to leave, mgr denied, I had the small welts. It is not a home, a place designed for stream of strangers. many do not take pets.
I think it would be naive not to be aware of possible problems.
also from feedback I see many Airbnb do not give kitchen cooking privileges.ask for security deposit. a fridge & microwave is for heating or ok a frozen dinner. in LA& in my area there are so many options, for inexpensive food, &takeout even from nearby grocery. or nice bistroes, house of pies, or better restaurants. all within walking distance.
near transport. parking in tourist area has become difficult & expensive- $12,$20 for events.many take uber- but there is budget rental down the street- & all pick up.
if you want maid service, then go to a hotel. mini bars& room service are notoriously expensive AND NO unregistered guests, keep noise down. don’t trash the room or they’ll charge yr card accordingly
I don’t know where you stay, but everywhere has rules. most motels provide very small fridges& microwave, some showers not bath. poor quality soap & shampoo. My sister& family stayed in motel few days. the shampoo I wouldn’t use; there were 2 thin pillows, & when she asked for 2 more, was told housekeeping had gone home, she complained about the bed & picture quality on the TV. this was a well known chain motel. free breakfast was dish water coffee, & coffee cake in plastic bags. she needed to be near some event for 2 days.
OR pay $400 & up a night. this is the big city. better location, more money. of course you can stay at a motel on sunset with the prostitutes. from what I hear now, paris london rome hotels are just as expensive. and a croissant & coffee runs $12 plus pourbois tip in any local cafe. pensions are cheaper small bed & breakfast without the breakfast.if they still exist. BTW McDonalds has the best coffee & gives free refills. closet one is mile away- but good donut coffee shop & coffee bean nearby with free wifi- pleasant out door seating & they post wifi connection & leave you alone. So Ca- the outdoor tables have heaters & umbrellas. also near local library free computers & wifi access.
these extras. oh GREAT, the place was badly located, near nothing, it was unpleasant but they gave me free soap shampoo, donuts, coco puffs & bags of Doritos, so it’s all good
many hotels have smoke free rooms
in my bldg for years, if anyone smoked, they went outside to smoke, in respect for their partner.
out here, people dont want to be in a smokers room.
and i just spent hours reading peoples/hosts complaints
AND “Guests” from hell. from UK & India too. if you want maid service,smoking cooking meat & bringing strangers home, then look for it.
really, people expect a good stay constitutes soap, shampoo, body wash & snacks, eating my food, & leaving a mess. one person said, he tells people no kitchen privileges & they leave a mess & do it anyway * eat his food. PPL do not come to LA to stay in.
rather then a clean, no bugs, safe well located place to sleep, & yes watch netflix if they want.
and who can tell them where everything is; best way to enjoy the city & find what they want & need, car optional for a stay. no I don’t want to share full time. many hosts are complaining abt burnout & PPL under foot all the time. so thanks Barbara, you haveit wrong.
Says he who cast the first stone. I wasn’t defending myself. You were indeed questioning the OP when you said “I find it quite something to see cleaning rates to the tune of 50 and 100. I mean, this is not in Yen or Lira is it. I’m used to thinking 5 to 10 to 15 (£)”. Or did I misinterpret that somehow?
And no need to get nasty and tell me to go to another forum. That was completely uncalled for.
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When people travel, some of them do decide to stay in even when it is tourist season and they’re in a good tourist location. I had 2 people who just stayed in my house all day in Seattle during the summer. I asked them why and they said that they just wanted to relax. I don’t have a pool or even a view, they just wanted to stay in their room or watch tv in my living room. Even when I travel internationally, I run into people who just stay in the hostel or hotel all day because that is what they do.
People don’t read and come with different expectations. You have your own, but theirs will not be the same as yours sometimes. You have a shared space. It isn’t worth paying so much for cleaning even if you don’t like it because shared spaces make less money.
Also, with theft, I have had my small bottles of peppermint oil stolen which was 2.50 for 2. People have taken bars of soap from my place. Expect to store your valuables somewhere else that isn’t your home or have a lock for your room.
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no Louise this is LA, very well located. walk to everything you need & want.close to major tourist attractions & public transit. plus I can help to find everything& best way to go.
There are places offering whole apts; hotels/motels all have restrictions. basically you can’t smoke anywhere in LA anymore. in the park, it’s fire haard.
no shared bedroom but shared bath. someone said one night don’t have to give out key.
there is something for everyone, you want cooking meat, drugs, bring home hookers,there is a place for you. just not with me
a comfortable clean safe place to sleep, netflix & nearby everything including free computers & wifi
my friend says even cot or couch, I mean pullout w/ bed or ikea futon couch.
You know; it’s like everything. You offer what you do,make yr rules.if it’s a match fine. if not fine
Joan,
It appears that you are getting very defensive. Sound like you/family member/friends have all had horrible experiences with hotel/motels/roomates etc etc. That’s unfortunate.
It may be helpful to keep in mind that we don’t come to this forum to rave about the wonderful Airbnb guests we get (the majority of mine are, and I’d bet many other hosts would say the same) but for advice/support of the rare few who may cause issues.
This forum is for hosts to help out other hosts. If you just want to argue with everything that people (who are trying to help you) take the time to write here, then perhaps this isn’t the place for you.
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this is what aI am working out
woman who does it,says she checks Feedback & if she’s not comfortable she says no- rents out couch-
I would get pull ot or ikea futon,has good reviews. thou I hve comfy luxury cot.
really,to come to LA & stay in makes no sense, unless you are here for work & need some relax time
I dont care if ppl stay in & watch TV all day
-I can stream something else on my tablet- I am the host, not their travel buddy. .
there is everything nearby- everything
need new t shirt, shoes, shampoo you like. prescription filled, want nice outdoor bistro, cheap fast food, good gourmet pizza, gourmet ice cream, deli counter, subway sandwich, chinese italian french, health food, vegan, home style american, free wifi, free computer at library, take a bus to major tourist attraction in minutes.
safe quiet place to sleep& rest; bec it is shared space, I think 1 at most 2 people/couple.
out here no one wants smokers room. looking for party pad,there are apts.
I’ve looked, there are shared spaces, & even shared bedroom,and empty apts. set up for strangers.
I think it is low to take things, & have been thinking about locks on closets & some cabinets. &removing some personal items. that I would have to store things away. not viable to pay for outside storage. did it for years. black hole.if I do it, there’s a lot I have to do & consider
but really, I just thought - some extra to help pay for rent increases
do not want fulltime roommate
really this may not be for me, I am not worried about few soaps.
and I am OK with someone around for few days.not weeks or months
I am more worried abt some of things I am reading re airbnb & hoss treatment
more people means more cleaning. more utilities
and can I remove or safeguard enough -
I know it will require more cleaning then I am prepared to do. seems cleaning fee& security deposit standard
Reading your post it appears that you have little or no trust in other people. You need to have some, IMO, in order to host. I host, but couldn’t cope with strangers in my private space, because of how I’m not very sociable in the mornings. If I were looking at your listing, all the restrictions, for the use of a bed in a non private space, I’d pass. In fact, you couldn’t pay me to stay in such a situation. Even if you had the best location in LA.
FYI, I shared a room with two others, cots only, across the road from the Vatican. It was acceptable because I felt welcome, had access to kitchen, had my own key, and the host was welcoming.
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What are rooms around you going for? Shared spaces? $75 is super hefty for a shared space. I charge $85 and have a yard, patio and BBQ and full service apartment to clean.
The only way to see if this will work is to give it a try. Clearly outline your expectations in the listing. If you share a space you have to trust guests. But you might want to have a way to lock up valuables.
No one is going to be smoking, that is the least of your worries. But you do need to provide shampoo. Go to big lots or Costco and get a body wash shampoo combo for 9.99. It will last months.
And clearly disclose no wifi. Remember a lot of international guests won’t have access to their phones. Lack of wifi will discourage a lot of bookings. Why can’t you offer it?
And one last question… you mentioned rent increases and renters insurance. Are you renting this place and planning to sublet (yes, Airbnb is subletting) in violation of your lease? Don’t try to sneak Airbnb. It’s easy to spot and neighbors are happy to turn you in. If you don’t own this apartment, get permission IN WRITING from your landlord to protect yourself from eviction. Because that is what will happen if they catch you subletting.
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Don’t waive your cleaning fee. Don’t review her unless she reviews you and point out that she asked you to waive the cleaning fee. Other hosts would be interested in knowing that.