What Do Airbnb Hosts Have to Provide? A Simple Guide
Airbnb has transformed the way we travel, offering unique stays that range from simple apartments to luxurious villas, treehouses, and everything in between. For anyone considering becoming a host, a common question arises: What do Airbnb hosts have to provide? The short answer is that hosts are required to provide what they claim in their listings, ensuring that descriptions and photos accurately reflect the guest experience. However, what is expected has evolved, and meeting or exceeding these expectations can greatly affect your reviews and, ultimately, your success as a host.
In this article, we’ll discuss what Airbnb hosts are required to provide and what they may want to offer to meet guest expectations, boost reviews, and stand out from the competition.
The Basics: What Airbnb Hosts Must Provide
At the most fundamental level, Airbnb hosts must supply exactly what they promise in their listing. The platform is built on transparency and trust, and this is maintained through accurate descriptions and photographs that reflect the property truthfully. Here's a breakdown of what this means:
Sleeping Arrangements: Whether a host is offering an entire home, apartment, or just a room, they must specify the type of sleeping arrangements available. Is there a king-size bed, a pull-out couch, or maybe bunk beds? Hosts should clearly outline what guests can expect when it comes to sleeping spaces, including details on how many guests the space accommodates comfortably.
Bathroom Facilities: Hosts must clearly indicate whether the property has a private or shared bathroom and whether there’s a bath or shower available. If the bathroom is shared with others, this should be stated up front in the listing.
Common Areas and Amenities: Any shared or communal spaces, like living rooms, kitchens, or outdoor areas, need to be clearly described. If the property includes specific amenities like a washing machine, television, or Wi-Fi, it’s important to mention these accurately in the listing.
Safety Features: Airbnb also expects hosts to maintain basic safety standards, including functioning smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors (if applicable), and first-aid kits. While not always legally required, these are considered essential by most guests and contribute to trust and peace of mind.
Ultimately, an Airbnb listing acts as a contract. What’s promised in the listing, from the size of the room to the presence of specific amenities, must be delivered upon arrival. Misleading descriptions or inaccurate photos are a surefire way to earn negative reviews, and this can hurt a host’s standing in Airbnb’s search results.
What Guests Have Come to Expect
While Airbnb hosts are only required to provide what they claim, there are certain items and amenities that guests have come to expect as standard. These expectations, while not mandatory, can make or break a guest's experience and, by extension, their review.
Here are some of the most common expectations from guests, based on modern standards:
1. Cleanliness
One of the most consistent complaints that can lead to negative reviews is a lack of cleanliness. Guests expect a tidy, fresh space upon arrival, and rightly so. Clean linens, towels, and sanitized bathrooms and kitchens are the bare minimum. A dirty or cluttered property can easily ruin a guest’s experience, no matter how luxurious or well-located the accommodation is.
2. Basic Supplies (Linen, Towels, and Toiletries)
While Airbnb hosts are not technically required to provide things like bed linens, towels, or even toilet paper, these have become standard offerings. Most guests expect their Airbnb to include:
Fresh bed linen and pillows
Bath towels and hand towels
Basic toiletries like shampoo, body wash, soap, and toilet paper
Providing these items is not just convenient for guests; it reflects hospitality and care. A lack of these essentials can frustrate travelers, particularly if they’re arriving after a long trip.
3. Kitchen Essentials
Many guests choose Airbnb over traditional hotels because they enjoy the flexibility of having a kitchen to cook meals. While it’s not mandatory to provide a fully stocked kitchen, certain basics are generally expected:
Pots and pans
Cutlery, plates, and glasses
Coffee and tea-making facilities
Some basic pantry items like salt, pepper, oil, and sugar
Additionally, providing a starter kit with essentials such as coffee, tea, and perhaps even a few breakfast items (like cereal or bread) can make a guest feel more welcomed, especially if they arrive late or after a long journey.
4. Wi-Fi
In today’s digital age, internet access has become an almost universal expectation. Many guests will specifically look for listings that offer free Wi-Fi, especially if they’re traveling for business or staying for an extended period. A strong, reliable internet connection is more than a luxury—it's often a necessity.
5. Comfortable Beds and Furniture
Guests expect a comfortable sleeping experience. While the quality of beds and bedding can vary depending on the type of listing and its price point, a basic level of comfort is expected across all listings. Similarly, guests appreciate comfortable seating arrangements, especially in common areas like living rooms or patios.
6. Heating and Cooling
Depending on the location, having effective heating or air conditioning can be crucial for a guest’s comfort. In colder regions, a functioning heating system is non-negotiable, while in warmer climates, air conditioning or at least fans are often expected.
Optional Extras That Can Improve Reviews
While it’s important for Airbnb hosts to meet the basic expectations of cleanliness, comfort, and accurate descriptions, offering a little extra can significantly boost guest satisfaction and improve your reviews. Many hosts provide what’s known as a “Welcome Pack” to make the first night or two more comfortable for guests. This isn’t required, but it’s an added touch that goes a long way. Some ideas for a Welcome Pack include:
Tea, Coffee, and Milk: Having these basic items ready can be a huge relief for travelers arriving after a long journey, especially late at night when nearby stores might be closed.
Snacks or Breakfast Items: Some hosts go the extra mile by leaving a few breakfast essentials, such as cereal, bread, or even homemade treats.
Toiletries: Providing high-quality or extra toiletries, such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, and body wash, can make a guest feel pampered.
Local Information: Maps, brochures, and even personalized recommendations for local restaurants or attractions are thoughtful touches that guests often appreciate.
It’s worth noting that providing these extras can increase your hosting costs, but they often pay off in the form of positive reviews and return guests.
Factors That Affect Reviews
The review system on platforms like Airbnb is crucial for hosts. Positive reviews can significantly boost your ranking in search results and lead to more bookings, while negative reviews can have the opposite effect. Some factors that can heavily influence guest reviews include:
1. Accuracy
Accuracy in your listing is paramount. Misrepresenting the size of the space, the quality of amenities, or the location can lead to disappointed guests. Make sure your photos and descriptions are up-to-date and reflect the reality of your space.
2. Communication
Prompt and clear communication with guests is vital. Guests appreciate quick responses to inquiries before and during their stay. Being available and responsive if issues arise can prevent minor problems from turning into major frustrations.
3. Check-In and Check-Out Experience
A seamless, hassle-free check-in and check-out process is something guests will remember. Whether it’s providing clear instructions for self-check-in or meeting guests in person, making the process as smooth as possible can lead to better reviews.
4. Comfort and Cleanliness
As mentioned earlier, cleanliness and comfort are non-negotiable for most guests. A clean, well-maintained property with comfortable furnishings will leave a lasting impression and encourage positive feedback.
5. Value for Money
Guests will often comment on whether they felt their stay provided good value for the price. Offering a well-equipped space with thoughtful touches can make guests feel like they’re getting a good deal, which leads to better reviews.
Conclusion: Balancing What You Must Provide With What Guests Expect
At its core, what Airbnb hosts must provide is simple: they need to deliver what they promise in their listings. An accurate description and transparent communication are the foundation of a successful Airbnb hosting experience. However, as the platform has evolved and guest expectations have risen, providing basic amenities and going the extra mile can significantly enhance a guest’s experience and lead to better reviews.
For hosts, the key is finding a balance between meeting expectations and managing costs. By offering essentials like clean linen, towels, and kitchen basics, along with thoughtful extras like a welcome pack, hosts can create a memorable and comfortable stay that leads to positive reviews and repeat bookings. In the competitive world of Airbnb, those small touches often make all the difference.
