Daily Hands-on Management Expected
Tenants usually like to keep to themselves for the most part. Tourists, on the other hand, have high expectations, wanting daily management of their accommodation and needs. Understandably, Airbnb guests require the property to be cleaned between each stay, the towels replenished, information on the area available, and many other duties for the host to “deserve” a high rating and review from them – something owners become heavily dependent on to keep Airbnb users interested.
Always on the Hunt for Guests
Rather than interviewing, reference checking and selecting tenants once a year, owners on Airbnb must deal with emails and calls daily throughout the entire year to keep the property vacated, as most guests will only stay for a night or two. Airbnb hosts also can’t skip the slow winter season with a fixed term tenancy, but rather are out in the market trying to attract bookings in the sparse tourist market, at risk of long vacancy periods.
Owners Pay The Bills
Just like hotels and motels, Airbnb guests expect the property owner to pay the electricity, gas, internet and housekeeping bills. Plus, with so many guests staying in the property and your inability to adequately reference check each guest, it’s likely a few inconsiderate guests will use the property, potentially increasing maintenance costs for owners.
When deciding what’s best for themselves and their portfolio, Wellington investors need to decide whether they have the time and ability to daily manage their properties, or if they’d rather have a passive investment managed by property managers, so they can live life uninterrupted.
