Airbnb works like a broker, as it doesn’t own the homes you rent. Instead, the site helps a guest find listings for homes that match their criteria, then handles the transaction between guest and host. Airbnb does this by verifying hosts and renters, providing a messaging platform for both parties, and collecting and transferring payments in a secure environment. Here’s how it works. If you’re a traveler, visit Airbnb.com and enter your destination in the search bar. Once the results populate, you can narrow them down through various filters. Just like a home listing, you can read about the property and look at pictures. Booking An Airbnb
The site also allows you to read house rules (if available), learn more about the host, and read reviews of the home and host from past Airbnb guests. Once you find a place you want to rent, you must create an account and profile before reserving it.
You’ll have two choices: “instant book,” which secures your stay right away, or “request to book,” which requires the host to approve your reservation. The type of reservation will depend on the host.
Turning Your House Into An Airbnb
To make your home an Airbnb, you simply create a free account and list your room or home. You can choose the dates you wish to host, set your own price and decide on house rules, like if you’ll allow pets or restrict access to certain rooms in the home.
“You can design it however you want,” says Laura, who restricts access to the kitchen (she includes a small fridge, microwave and coffee maker in the private suite) and declines reservations from single men as a safety precaution. According to Laura, you can only set that type of rule when you’re sharing a living space with your guests.
You’ll also craft a listing for your home, which should include photos of your home and the rooms guests can use, a description of the property and the area and a list of amenities the Airbnb rental will include.
Once your post is live, guests can start reserving your space. As a host, you can decide whether to rent your space to each guest or decline their reservation request. Once your guests arrive at your home, Airbnb sends your earnings.
“It was so easy to start,” says Laura. “I just opened up my futon, put down some sheets, bought some extra snacks and posted my place on Airbnb. I started getting reservations relatively quickly. I didn’t have any problems.”
What Percentage Does Airbnb Take?
Since Airbnb assists with the transaction, the company earns a small commission from hosts and guests. The host service fee is usually around 3% for U.S. listings and can be more in other countries. For guests, Airbnb charges under 13%, which can vary based on several booking factors.
