Mastering Airbnb Room Requirements: Expert Tips from a Host Who’s Made Over $250K

Unlocking the secrets to Airbnb room requirements is like finding the golden ticket to side hustle hosting success!

Hey there! I’m your host, Lewin, drawing on my successful Airbnb hosting experience to guide you through Airbnb’s room requirements in the easiest way possible. The crucial step right now is to start listing ASAP, but before you do, set yourself up for success.

About 45% of Airbnb’s listings are for private or shared rooms. And why not? Hosting a room on Airbnb is like having a side hustle that doesn’t suck the life out of you. It’s a chance to turn that extra space in your home into a money-making machine.

Side note: Looking for inspo pics for Airbnb bedroom ideas? Click here to head over to my Pinterest Board. Go on, get your decor on– and hit that follow button!

What qualifies as a room on Airbnb?

Alright, first things first. Straight from the horse’s mouth (or maybe the unicorn’s, considering Airbnb’s vibe), here’s what they consider a “room.”

To qualify as a Room, a listing needs to meet all these criteria:

• The guest has their own private bedroom with a door.
• The guest has access to a private or shared bathroom.
• The guest has access to at least one common space, such as a kitchen, living room, or backyard.
• Hosts use their own name on their listing, rather than a business or other name. 
• “Room” is selected as the listing or room type in a Host’s listing settings.
• The private room is not a shared room, hotel, resort, tent, camper, standalone unit (such as a backyard bungalow), or any other type of property on this list.

Decoding the Airbnb Room Requirements:

While Airbnb’s guide doesn’t smack you upside the head with these tips, as an Airbnb host, you still need to do a bit more to create a room that guests will actually enjoy and rave about in their 5 star review. These are my minimum room essentials – the stuff you absolutely need to nail. I’m covering everything from safety to cleanliness to amenities. So let’s get you booking out like a superhost.

1. Safety Features: Ensure your property has essential safety features such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. These are not only required by Airbnb for the safety of your guests, but also to keep your business legally protected should there be an accident in your short term rental.

*Superhost tip – Safety features (like smoke detectors in each bedroom) are a requirement for your short term rental permit. Even though you’re only renting out a room, your entire house still needs to meet standard safety guidelines. Check your local county for short term rental requirements.

2. Cleanliness Standards: Maintaining a high level of cleanliness is obvious and non-negotiable.. Clean and sanitize all areas of your property that your guests will have access to. Guests will judge you harder on cleanliness than a Karen at a sub-par restaurant. One bad cleanliness review can make or break your Airbnb business.

3. Amenities: It’s not mandatory, but many guests consider certain amenities a must-have. You should offer Wi-Fi, basic toiletries, fresh towels, and clean linens to make guests more comfortable.

*Superhost tip – Bigger is better. Put in the largest size bed that your room can fit.

Score the budget friendly mattress topper from Amazon! Don’t forget to let it air out for a few hours before setting it up.

You need this genius  mattress protector as well as pillow protectors. These specific ones on Amazon are amazing b/c they’re both waterproof and protect against nasty bed bugs!

Essential Amenities: What to provide in your Airbnb room

So you still need help to nail down exactly what to put in your Airbnb room? No worries- I’ll lay it out for you. Step by step.

1. Comfortable Bed: Invest in a quality mattress and bedding to ensure a good night’s sleep.
2. Bedside Table: Provide a convenient spot for guests to place their belongings and essentials.
3. Lighting: Ensure there’s adequate lighting for reading and ambiance, including bedside lamps or recessed lights. Avoid wall sconces b/c they can get expensive.
4. Storage Space: Provide closet space or drawers for guests to unpack and feel at home.
5. Mirror: You’ll want a decent-sized one, but steer clear of full-length mirrors unless you’re a fan of shattered glass courtesy of clumsy guests and their bulky luggage (no offense, guests!).
6. Window Treatments: Provide curtains or blinds for privacy and to block out light for sleep.
7. Extra Blankets and Pillows: Offer additional bedding options for comfort. I always offer a few light blankets for extra layering. Make sure the blankets are easy to wash.
8. Air Conditioning or Fan: Depending on the climate, provide options for temperature control.
9. Hangers: Ensure there are enough hangers for guests to hang their clothes.
10. WiFi Access: Provide clear instructions for accessing the WiFi network.
11. Charging Station: Offer a convenient spot for guests to charge their devices.
12. Trash Can: Help guests help you keep the room clean. Provide a trash can for convenience.
13. Luggage rack: Grab this affordable and durable set from Amazon! This is incredibly helpful if your small space can’t fit a dresser.
14. Safety Features: Non negotiable. See the section above.

What really works? Airbnb Hosting Tips:

Let’s be real. What qualifies as a room on Airbnb is really just the bare-est minimum. To create a room that will get booked time and time again, follow these next steps:

1. Create a Detailed , Optimized Listing: Provide a detailed and accurate description of your property, including all amenities and features. I highly recommend you use professional photos. All the time and money you spend on decor will be wasted, if you don’t have high-quality photos to showcase your space.
2. Communicate Clearly with Guests: Before and during their stay, communicate with your guests to ensure they understand your property’s features and any house rules. Pre-written automated messages are fantastic and will save you tons of time!
3. Provide Personalized Touches: Consider adding personal touches to your space, such as welcome notes, local recommendations, or small amenities like snacks or beverages.

Airbnb welcome baskets have become super popular, here’s how you can create one that will impress!

Conclusion:

To ensure your hosting experience doesn’t crash and burn, mastering Airbnb’s room requirements is key. Use these tips to level up your hosting game, impress your guests, and watch your profits soar.

This post was all about mastering the Airbnb room requirements to get started in the quickest most successful way.