Airbnb was once a cash cow for people with an extra bedroom or even an extra home. However, that all came crumbling down once travel all but stopped thanks to the Coronavirus pandemic. Some Airbnb hosts are now struggling to pay their mortgages and many are having to sell off their properties. In the midst of all of this, Long Beach also has some short-term rental changes coming. In June, the City Council adopted an ordinance to regulate Long Beach short-term rentals, like Airbnbs. These changes go into effect tomorrow. Here’s what we know.
New Short-Term Rental Rules in Long Beach
- ADUs can NOT be used as short-term rentals.
- Short-term rentals need to be registered with the city and last for one year after being issued.
- Only two people per bedroom, plus two extra people can occupy a short-term rental at once. Including the hosts. The maximum occupancy can never exceed ten people unless you have an event permit.
Update as of November 18, 2020: When we wrote this article in October, short-term rental units needed a “host” to be present throughout the guest’s stay. The host needed to be the owner or tenant and the unit needs to be their primary residence (defined as a place where they live at least 275 days of the year). However, on November 17, 2020, the Long Beach City Council voted unanimously to change the law and allow unhosted rentals. The city believes this will allow them to tax and better regulate the industry. To read more about their decision, check out this article.
For more information, please visit the City of Long Beach’s website HERE.
Small studio units like this one that include a kitchen are great for Airbnb hosting.
The following information is from a pre-pandemic article we wrote. We are leaving the information here in the hopes that Airbnb hosts will be back to work after the pandemic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Airbnb has become a favorite among frequent travelers. Described as a website to list, find, and rent lodging, many people have also taken a liking to earning extra income as an Airbnb host. However, if you have some concerns about inviting strangers into your home, you’re not alone.
Why would I consider being an Airbnb host?
The obvious reason to become an Airbnb host is that it’s a fairly easy way to earn extra income. You can choose to rent out a corner of your living room, one bedroom, or your entire house. The Airbnb site is massive so no matter what type of housing you are offering, there is most likely someone looking for exactly what you have to offer. The other perk is that Airbnb housing is short term. While renting out your home to permanent renters can be daunting, Airbnb allows you to rent out your space for as long as you would like. You also get to choose the price. Airbnb allows for a lot of flexibility. If your goal is to turn hosting into a full-time job, that’s totally possible too. If you choose to stay in your home while renting out a room, being an Airbnb host can also be great way to meet new people from across the world.
What steps do I need to take to become a host?
Listing your home on Airbnb is free and simple. Just follow the instructions here. You will be prompted to fill in a description, price, and availability, as well as upload photos of your home. However, before you list your home, there are other factors to consider.
What risks are involved?
Identity Theft: While not likely, it’s possible. You can avoid your identity getting stolen by following a few necessary safety precautions.
You may get stuck with squatters or irresponsible renters: Again, there are plenty of wonderful house guests on Airbnb, but unfortunately, there may be people who abuse the system. To play it safe, keep your stays to under 30 days. Create a clear paper trail with your agreement terms, make sure your guests give you real contact information beyond just an email address, and only choose guests who have a past history of using Airbnb.
Property Damage: Airbnb offers a $1,000,000 host guarantee but this does not cover certain damages that could result from having people stay in your home. Read up on the policy here and make sure you have a proper home insurance plan.
Keep your Airbnb unit or extra room simple, but make sure guests have everything they need.
How do I know how much to charge?
Knowing how to properly list your space is important so that you receive the best possible return. However, you also don’t want to overprice your space and miss out on potential business. Airbnb will recommend a base price to charge, but it’s wise to do your own research too. Check out this guide to determining the best price to list your home at on Airbnb.
Hospitality 101
If you’re renting make sure that you get your landlord’s approval before renting out your home to Airbnb guests. It’s also polite to take your neighbors into consideration. You may want to let them know ahead of time that you will have other people staying in your home. At minimum, be sure to attract guests that won’t upset your neighbors. For example, if you live in a quiet neighborhood, make sure your guests understand that there are to be no loud parties. Airbnb allows guest to review their hosts, so it’s important that they have a pleasant experience.
It’s also important to make sure your home is properly furnished and set up for guests. It’s standard to supply towels, toilet paper, bed sheets and other household staples. Also don’t forget to have a spare key so your guests can come and go!
Bottom Line:
Take the necessary safety precautions and choose your guests carefully. Treat your guests with respect and you can expect the same in return. Being an Airbnb host can be a great way to bring in extra income, but like every business encounter, there are always risks involved.
would you recommend a co-host/manager who lives in Long Beach, California, to manage my Air BnB in Long Beach, California?