5 Things You Should Know Before You Host
As someone who loves to travel, you know how important it is to be able to stay somewhere safe and welcoming while you’re away from home. It’s nice when you can afford the occasional hotel stay, but now people tend to look for who’s renting out rooms in the area they’ll be visiting. It’s often cheaper to stay somewhere that way, and you get to meet some amazing people.
If you’re thinking of returning the kindness by renting out your living space to travelers, there are some things you should know before you host anyone. By taking a few minutes to read about what you can do for visitors, you can make the whole experience more positive for both you and any of your future guests.
There Are Plenty of Benefits
There’s a reason so many people rent out their living spaces on apps: It’s because it’s an easy way to make money while helping people have the time of their lives. Providing a comfortable place for people to stay while they’re traveling is the ultimate kindness. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to make a little extra income with space you’re not using or while you’re away from home.
Those who live alone also enjoy the companionship of having someone stay with them. You get a roommate who may end up being a great friend, without the pressure of having them stick around long term. Depending on who your guest is, you also may get to experience and learn about a new culture if you’re in your home while they stay with you.
Do It the Right Way
The first and arguably most important step to take before renting out your home is to find out if you can. If you’re a renter or live in a community building, there may be rules or part of your rental agreement that says you can’t rent your space out to someone else. There can also be laws or orders against renting for people who own a home in certain neighborhoods.
Take Steps to Be Safe
The next thing you should do is run a background check on anyone who wants to stay in your space. The investment will be worth the peace of mind you’ll get when you know you’re not letting someone untrustworthy into your home while you’re away. A quick check could be what stands between you and protecting your home.
Extend Extra Kindness
There should also be a certain level of thoughtfulness met before your first guest arrives. They’ll need amenities like extra toilet paper and blankets, and after laying all those things out, you can take an extra step to be welcoming. Light candles just before they arrive so their room smells nice or leave out a list of recommendations for places like restaurants or entertainment in your area.
Be Aware of the Risks
While you get prepared for potentially renting out your living space, you’ll learn about renting risks and how you can avoid them. Drawing up a contract and having both parties sign it can help you avoid major problems. People may not follow the house rules about cleanliness, or you could come home to broken items. As long as you’re aware that not every guest is going to be perfect, you can be reasonable about your expectations and be smart about your renting experience.
Lots of people around the world host travelers in their homes while they’re there and while they’re away. It’s a great way to meet new people and make some extra cash, but like most things in life, you should be prepared for anything. Once you’ve taken the proper precautions, you’re in for a positive time and some extra income to enjoy on your next trip.
