If you’ve ever felt like hosting on Airbnb is part customer service, part logistics management, and part therapist… you’re not wrong! Hosting can be rewarding and profitable, but let’s be honest, it can also be exhausting if you’re doing it without a solid system in place.

I’ve been hosting professionally since 2022, managing over 25 properties, my own properties, and some for others. I do Airbnb arbitrage, manage rentals remotely, and I regularly get called in to help troubleshoot sticky situations for other hosts. Yep! even the seasoned hosts. So trust me when I say, you NEED systems, not just good intentions.

In this post, I’m walking you through the most important Airbnb management tips, from guest communication and dynamic pricing to cleaning, inventory, etc.

This post is allll about Airbnb management tips.

BTW: if you want to just skip all this guessing and get a step by step system that covers literally everything, from scripts to leases to how to handle disputes, check out The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint. It’s my all in one Airbnb hosting course that breaks this down in way more detail.

Table of Contents:

Guest Communication
Use Dynamic Pricing
Set a Cleaning System
Automate Self Check-In
Set Up and Stage Your Property
Keep Inventory Stocked
Screen Guests
Know How to Win Disputes
Consider Starting a Cleaning Business
Avoid City Crackdowns
Why I Don’t Use Co-Hosts
Build Real Systems
The Passive Income Myth
Be Your Own First Guest
Pro vs. Real Photos
Know Your Market
House Rules That Actually Protect You

1. Guest Communication Is Everything

Communicating with guests might seem like a soft skill, but in Airbnb, it’s a revenue generator. A quick, friendly check-in message the morning after arrival can save you from a negative review, or a refund request. The secret? Automate it, but make it feel personal.

I’ve seen this one tip alone turn 3 star reviews into 5s. The guests feel like you’re paying attention, and if something is wrong, they’ll tell you before they blow up your rating. That’s why my Guest Message Scripts are one of my favorite tools, they’re warm, pre-written, and designed to sound human, not robotic.

2. Use Dynamic Pricing, Don’t Just Guess

If your calendar is fully booked two months out, sorry, you’re underpriced.

Dynamic pricing tools help you adjust rates based on demand, seasonality, events, and more, but a tool can only do so much. You still need to check your data. If bookings are flying in for weekends, raise the price and stretch minimum nights to stack longer stays. I break this down in a super simple way in my course, even a few tweaks can instantly increase Airbnb bookings and boost your revenue.

If you really want to price like a pro, without playing the guessing games; Inside The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint, I walk you through exactly how I use PriceLabs to set smart rates, stretch weekends, and book out slow dates without leaving money on the table. You’ll learn my exact pricing strategies that helped me increase Airbnb bookings across all 25+ properties, and how to apply them to your own listings in minutes.

3. Set a Cleaning System, With Backup Plans

Cleaning will make or break your hosting business. You can either clean yourself, totally fine for live in hosts, or outsource. Which, I recommend. Use apps like Turno, but always vet cleaners and always have a backup ready.

Guests will overlook a lot… but the second they find a hair in the tub or something weird under the bed? Game over! That’s why I use a cleaning checklist that covers everything, even the random spots guests love to check, like under the couch… seriously, don’t ask me why. Especially if they want a partial refund.

4. Automate Self Check-In Like a Boss

Self check-in isn’t optional anymore. You need a smart lock, period. Personally, I recommend Safely Smart Locks, and I’ve tested more than I care to admit. What I love about this one is that it’s not just a digital keypad, it’s fully connected with built in Wi-Fi, so you can manage everything from anywhere. This is the essential start of how to run an airbnb remotely. No extra hub or Bluetooth drama. That means even if you’re two hours away, or out of the country, you can check the lock status, confirm entry, and send a new code within seconds. Please... avoid the “I lost the key” drama at 2 AM.

You can create guest specific codes that only work during their stay window, and once they check out, that code automatically stops working. You can also make permanent codes for your cleaners or team and still see exactly who’s coming and going based on the code used. It gives you full visibility without having to physically be there.

The only thing you do need to stay on top of is the battery. And from experience, only use high quality batteries,trust me on this. Cheap ones die fast and will have you stressed out on a Saturday afternoon. I recommend Energizer lithiums. Just make it a habit to swap them out regularly and you'll avoid those low battery surprises.

In my opinion, this is one of the most important Airbnb management tips for anyone trying to figure out how to run an Airbnb remotely. It gives you peace of mind and makes everything more professional for the guest too. No waiting around, no weird check-in times. Just smooth, seamless access. And yes, I’ve tried the others, this is the only one I trust!

5. Set Up and Stage Your Property Properly

Good staging isn’t about being fancy, it’s about being thoughtful. You need a stocked kitchen, quality bedding, blackout curtains, a blow dryer, and your space just needs to be a vibe.

If you’re not sure what to buy, download my FREE Airbnb Furnishing Guide. I list every single item you’ll need, whether you're launching your first or fifth unit!

Also, check out this post I have one:

9 Functional Airbnb Interior Touches That Turn Basic Apartments Into 5 Star Stays.

6. Keep Inventory Stocked and Track It

Inventory isn’t just about having toilet paper, it’s about knowing when you’re about to run out. Without a tracking system, you’ll always be reacting instead of planning.

That’s why I created the Inventory Restock Checklist, it lets you and your cleaner stay on the same page about what’s low, what’s stocked, and what needs to be replaced.

Don’t want to keep a storage locker? My secret weapon, Target! Order directly to the property and message the guest that it’s on the way. I’ve done this plenty of times, and it always lands as thoughtful, not unprepared.

target same day delivery — *Image via* *Target.com*

7. Screen Guests; Because Airbnb Doesn’t Always

Let’s be real. Airbnb says it screens guests, but its terms clearly state they don’t have to. Yes! It literally says this. So that’s on you.

Even with Instant Book, you can:

Require profile verification
Send a pre-checkin message to gauge responsiveness
Ask a question that requires a reply (to make sure they’re really who they say they are)

If a guest refuses to communicate before arrival, that’s a big red flag.

8. Know How to Win Disputes

If something goes wrong, you need to know how to get reimbursed, fast and effectively. That’s why I created my Airbnb Dispute Winning Templates, which walk you through:

What to say to Airbnb support
What evidence they actually accept
How to word things so they work with you, not against you

You don’t want to be crafting emails from scratch while trying to replace a broken TV. Get this toolkit or.. get ready to lose money.

9. Consider Starting a Cleaning Business?

This won’t be for everyone, but if you’re the entrepreneurial type and already managing a few properties, offering Airbnb cleaning as a service can be a seriously smart income source, or even a full on business!

There’s always demand for reliable, quality cleaners in the short term rental space, and if you already know what hosts need (because you are one), you’re ahead of the game. Plus, if you already have cleaners, this can keep your expenses much lower. You’ll need dependable staff, a system for scheduling cleanings, and most importantly, consistency. If you’re wondering how to start an Airbnb cleaning business, it’s all about setting clear standards and being the person other hosts trust to keep their units guest ready.

I’ve done this myself and now teach it in my course. I even include two of my favorite resources to make it easy. My Initial Cleaning Staff Interview Script, so you can find and vet the right people fast and my Hospitality Cleaning Checklist, which doubles as training material to help your cleaners hit every detail, even the details guests check to try and get discounts.

It wouldn't be just another side hustle. Done right, it’s a scalable, low overhead business that pairs perfectly with managing properties. I break it all down inside The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint, including how to manage quality and expand without burning out.

10. Stay Legal or Risk Deactivation

Let’s talk about something not so glamorous, but absolutely crucial: compliance. This is one of those Airbnb management tips that gets skipped over until it’s too late.

The short-term rental industry has changed fast in the last few years, and local governments have caught up. Cities around the world are cracking down on unregistered rentals, limiting the number of nights you can host per year, or banning Airbnb entirely in some neighborhoods.

It’s YOUR JOB to know the rules! And the easiest way to start?

Just Google:

Short term rental regulations [your city/state]

Don’t assume Airbnb will warn you or stop you from listing in a restricted area. In many cases, they’ll let you go live, then shut down your listing without warning once they receive a report or legal notice.

Whether you’re doing Airbnb arbitrage, co-hosting, or running a traditional rental, this step is non-negotiable!! You can’t scale if you’re building on shaky ground.

11. Why I Don’t Use Co-Hosts

I get asked this all the time: Should I hire a co host?

And my honest answer? Usually not.

Here’s the thing, co-hosts sound great in theory. But in practice, most of the cohosting setups I’ve seen leave the host doing 80% of the work anyway.

You’re still;

Hiring your own cleaners
Managing inventory
Fielding guest complaints
Being the main decision-maker.

So.. why are you sharing a cut of the revenue?

Instead, I recommend building your own lightweight team. I hired my first VA on Fiverr, trained them to handle guest messaging, and eventually added two more part time assistants to cover different time zones. That gave me way more control, way better performance, and still cost less than most co-hosting fees.

If you’re trying to figure out how to run an Airbnb remotely, this is how you do it. And don’t worry, I include my interview questions, training plan, and message templates inside The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint so... you can build your dream team without reinventing the wheel.

12. Build Real Systems: Templates, Scripts, & Airbnb Host Checklist

Look, the difference between a side hustle Airbnb and a profitable Airbnb business is systems! You can piece things together slowly, or use tools I already built:

13. Airbnb Is Not Passive (Yet)

Let’s get this out of the way: Airbnb is not passive income when you start, and anyone who tells you otherwise is sugarcoating it.

In the beginning, it’s a lot. You’re learning how the platform works, sifting through weird and suspicious guest questions, dealing with turnover, shopping for the right supplies, and trying not to miss anything on your Airbnb host checklist. It’s a hustle, but the good news? With the right systems, it does get easier and yes, it can eventually become semi-passive.

Once I scaled to around four or five units, everything started to click. I had cleaners who knew the routine, a VA who handled guest messages, and pricing tools that did the heavy lifting. At that point, I was spending just a few hours a week checking in, not managing every little thing.

That’s the goal. And if you want to shortcut the painful trial and error, I can teach you exactly how I built my systems to go from grind to glide.

14. Be Your Own First Guest

This is a step I never skip, and I beg every new host to follow it.

Stay in your own Airbnb before you let anyone else book.

Treat it like a test run. Check in like a guest. Bring a suitcase. Try to cook a meal. Shower, watch TV, sleep in the bed. Go through every motion a real guest would, because this is how you catch things that don’t show up on your checklists or in a walkthrough.

You’ll realize little things:

The bathroom fan doesnt work
There’s no hook for a towel
The bedside lamp outlet is in the walkway

These sound small, but they add up. Plus, when you launch your listing, I also recommend going above and beyond for your first three or four guests. Leave snacks, add a welcome note, offer a late checkout if you can. These early reviews set the tone for your listing’s future. The better they are, the easier it’ll be to increase Airbnb bookings over time.

15. Professional vs. Real-Life Photos

Photos are your first impression, and they matter more than almost anything on your listing.

That said, not all photos are created equal. Professional photos will absolutely help you stand out, especially in a crowded market. You’ll get more clicks, more saves, and better positioning in Airbnb’s search results.

So yes, I 100% recommend starting with a professional shoot.

Here’s the catch: professional photos raise expectations. If your listing looks like a luxury hotel online but feels average in person, guests may be disappointed, even if the space is technically clean and functional.

Eventually, as your property ages or goes through updates, it’s a smart move to mix in some real-life photos. Unedited images that show the space as-is. This helps guests walk in and feel like they got what they saw, instead of feeling catfished by great lighting and wide lenses.

One of my Airbnb management tips is to update photos every six months to a year, especially if you’ve had wear and tear or added new features. Your listing should always reflect what’s actually there.

16. Know Your Market Like You Live There

It’s tempting to rely on stats or Airbnb market reports when you’re scoping out new listings and don’t get me wrong, those are great tools! But data can only tell you so much. If you’re serious about learning how to run an airbnb remotely, especially through arbitrage, you need to know your market intimately.

That means:

Walking the neighborhood
Visiting the property at different times of day - at least once in the afternoon
Talking to neighbors or other hosts
Looking for red flags (crime, noise, HOA issues)

Your block might be perfect, but the one behind it could be a party zone, or worse. These are things you wont know unless you go there, you’ll notice instantly in person.

17. House Rules = Your Legal Backup

Last but definitely not least, your house rules are more than just guidelines. They are your legal backup when things go wrong! Airbnb only enforces what you put in writing.

So don’t skip this.

Here are the house rules I include on every listing:

No smoking - include a fee for violations
No parties or events - include a fee for violations
Quiet hours
Late check-out fee

Don’t just say “no parties”, say what happens if they do. Airbnb needs to see clear expectations and consequences.

Also, it’s smart to include a local guidebook. You can upload it as a PDF in your listing or leave a printed copy in the unit. Include your favorite restaurants, grocery stores, delivery options, hikes, and even medical clinics. This improves the guest experience and sets you apart. Which again, helps you increase Airbnb bookings organically.

Final Thoughts:

I didn’t get good at hosting by luck, I got good because I made mistakes, fixed them, and built real systems. If you want to do the same, whether you're managing one unit or ten, I created The No Gamble Hosting Blueprint to give you the roadmap.

Inside, you get:

Every template, script, and checklist I use daily (that you need)
My full tech stack + team setup
Strategies that work no matter what kind of host you are - arbitrage, owner, or somewhere in between

So if you’re ready to stop gambling and start growing, grab the course and make this a real business.

This post is all about Airbnb management tips.

Pin it, share it, or bookmark it, this post is your go to Airbnb hosting cheat sheet!

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