HOSTING 101: THE BEGINNER'S GUIDE FOR HOSTING LONG-TERM TRAVELERS

If this is your first time hosting a traveler, here is a guideline to help you prepare and become the best possible host you can be. It does not matter if your renting a private room or an entire place. You are offering your space to someone, and it should be a pleasant experience for both of you.

By following these tips for hosting long-term travelers, you can prevent any awkward situations with your tenants, which could otherwise turn the hosting experience into a hassle!

Nomad World Official | Room for rent

1. What is a Long-term Traveler?

A Long-term Traveler is a person who moves to a new location (or new part of and town), for more than 30 days. These travelers look for a furnished apartment to rent on a monthly basis. Platforms that offer short-term rentals, like Airbnb or similar, offer housing meant for stays of a few nights, with higher prices and less adaptability for travelers who are looking to stay longer.

2. The PERFECT HOST for a Long-term Traveler.

Owning a property does not mean that you are prepare to host a long-term traveler. If profitability is the ONLY goal in front of you, hosting travelers on a monthly basis might not be your best option, since renting your place by the night bring more income, as it brings more problems. WE WILL BRING MORE CONTENT ABOUT "SHORT-TERM VS MONTHLY LEASING: WHY PROPERTY OWNERS ARE MOVING TOWARDS MONTHLY HOSTING." However, if you are looking for a balance between COMFORT, CONVENIENCE and PROFITABILITY, monthly leasing is your best choice.

Being an Airbnb host demands maintenance of the property multiple times a month, even multiple times a week (cleaning, restocking, preparing for the next guest...), which can bring up cost higher than expecting. Maintaining a rental property also requires time, unless you hire someone to do it for you, which brings up the cost even higher... This can critically decrease your net monthly profits to a point you may ask yourself "is this hassle even worth it anymore?"

The perfect host for a long-term traveler is that person who meets the following requirements:

• They have a space that can be accommodated for a guest.

• They have a full-time job that does not allow them to maintain this rental property on a weekly basis.

• They want an extra income for the least amount of effort and money invested (once the traveler moves in, cleaning and maintenance of the property is their responsibility).

If you meet these requirements, let's begin with "HOW TO PREPARE MY PLACE TO HOST!"

Nomad World Official | The Avenue

3. How to prepare my space to host a Long-term Traveler?

Listing a furnished place for rent can be an exciting venture. Here are some tips for first-time hosts to ensure a positive experience for both you and your guests:

1. Create a welcoming space: Make sure the place is clean, well-organized, and inviting. Provide basic amenities such towels, toiletries, and adequate storage space for your guests' belongings.
   

2. Set clear expectations: Clearly outline what guests can expect during their stay, including house rules, and any other important information. Communicate this information through your rental listing and especially before, during, and after signing the lease!
   

3. Provide a comfortable environment: Just because you have a bed in the basement, it does not mean it is comfortable. Ensure the space is comfortable and functional, with essentials like a comfortable bed, good lighting, a desk or workspace, and adequate heating or cooling depending on the season.
   

4. Offer additional amenities: Instead of charging rent + utilities, charge a higher rent to cover the utility services and consider offering extras like Wi-Fi access, a TV with streaming services, and parking if available. Travelers prefer to pay a flat rate every month, instead of having that extra fee added to their expenses. These strategy can enhance the overall experience for your guests, while ensuring your costs are covered.
   

5. Be responsive and communicative: Promptly respond to inquiries and messages from potential tenants. Be available to answer questions and provide assistance during the first part of the their lease, until they adapt to their new home.
   

6. Respect guests' privacy: While it's important to be available and helpful, also respect your guests' privacy and personal space. Provide them with the freedom to enjoy their stay without feeling monitored. If you have no trust in the people you host, you should not host them!
   

7. Handle issues professionally: In case of any issues or concerns raised by guests, address them promptly and professionally. Offer solutions or alternatives to resolve the issue and ensure your guests' satisfaction. You, as a landlord, are offering a service/product, which is your property. Being professional and responsive will only bring you more guests in the future and the possibility to increase rent due to "the magnificent experience of your guests that highly recommend your listing."
   

8. Seek feedback: Encourage guests to provide feedback about their stay. Use this feedback to improve your hosting experience and make necessary adjustments to enhance future guests' experiences. Nobody knows better what needs to be improve than the person who experienced the problem.
   

9. Stay informed about regulations: Familiarize yourself with local regulations and laws regarding short-term and monthly rentals. Ensure compliance with any legal requirements to avoid any potential issues.