How to Manage an Airbnb Remotely

By Jenny Javitch, Airbnb Superhost | Founder & Travel Planner at Global Game Plan

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

This article is part of a series on Airbnb hosting tips.  Having been an Airbnb Superhost for over 4 years, I am excited to share my expertise in order to help you become a successful Airbnb Host.  Click here to see all of the articles in the series. 

 

With so many host tools and Airbnb apps for hosts out there it may feel complicated and confusing to sort through everything you need to manage Airbnb remotely.  Whether you live on-site at your Airbnb, nearby, or far from your short-term rental, you will need these five things for your Airbnb business in order to manage an Airbnb remotely.

 

1. A Strong Airbnb Wi-Fi Connection

 

This is a necessity, not only for the guests to use and enjoy during their stay, but to connect all the products recommended throughout this post. Create a username and password for your Airbnb Wi-Fi that is easy for guests to find and type in, since they will need to join the network for internet access upon arrival.  If strong Wi-Fi is a challenge for your space, give the eero Wi-Fi extenders a try to boost the range of your connection!

After your Wi-Fi is set up on site, connect your smartphone to that same Wi-Fi network so you can set up the other products listed below.  

Be sure to share your Wi-Fi username and password in your guestbook or house manual on the first page.  You could also create an Airbnb Wi-Fi sign on Canva or buy one on Etsy – there are many options available.   

 

2. The Airbnb App

 

Even if you prefer to use a computer, downloading and using the Airbnb app is one of the most important host tools for managing Airbnb remotely.  You can easily communicate with guests via the app and respond quickly to new booking requests, wherever you are.  The bonus of using the app for hosting Airbnb remotely is that you will receive alerts and notifications directly on your phone.  Some features, such as downloading financial reports, are only available from the website. However, everything you need to remotely run an Airbnb can be found on the app.

Once the Airbnb app is downloaded and your Airbnb Wi-Fi is up and running, you can go into your listings on the app and verify your internet speed.  This will allow the guests to see how fast your Wi-Fi is in advance. 

Be sure to use the Airbnb host tools included in the app, like the “quick replies” function that allows you to save template messages for your guests.

 

Other Apps for Airbnb Management to Have on Your Smartphone

  • Smart thermostat – If you can have this on your Wi-Fi system it will help you save money on your energy bill in between hosting Airbnb guests.

  • Air purifier – If you’re interested in purchasing one, the Coway Airmega product is great! You can also buy the best air purifier for your space at Bed, Bath & Beyond. Connect it to your Wi-Fi system so you can manage it remotely from their app.

  • Social media apps – Use the popular ones like Facebook and Instagram, for marketing your Airbnb.

  • Internet service provider – This is so you can see the current status of your connection or if there is an internet disruption in your area.

  • Apps for each product and service described throughout this post.

  • To assist with your Airbnb automation processes, keep all of your Airbnb apps for hosts in one folder on your smartphone. This will help you access them easily as you are managing your Airbnb remotely. 

 

3. Smart Locks for Airbnb Entry Doors

 

Smart door locks for all of your Airbnb entry doors are essential to running an Airbnb remotely.  Even if you live on-site or nearby, installing these types of Airbnb smart locks creates a safer guest experience since you can give each guest a unique code (that is removed when their reservation ends) instead of using an old-fashioned key and lockbox.  It also allows you to offer Airbnb self-check-in with a keypad, so you don’t have to greet every guest in person at your vacation rental. 

You can purchase the best smart locks for Airbnb at Home Depot, Lowes and Best Buy. 

There are a variety of lock styles, so choose the one that fits best with your space.  Here is what you should keep in mind when purchasing an Airbnb smart lock:

  • Be sure the Airbnb smart lock you choose uses a common battery type such as AA or AAA batteries, so they are easily and affordably replaced.

  • The lock must be able to hold multiple lock codes at the same time.

  • Choose a lock that offers a timer feature, so you can activate a guest’s code for the length of their stay and then their code automatically deletes.

  • Be sure the lock is smartphone-compatible and that there is an app you can download as a host tool for remote access.

  • Buy exactly the same Airbnb smart lock for all of your entry doors (if possible).

  • Once you have purchased the physical smart lock for Airbnb, you will also need a monthly subscription to a service like RemoteLock to operate the lock system. Be sure to understand which service goes along with the lock before you purchase it.

 

4. Security Cameras or a Video Doorbell

 

Let’s start with the obvious – security cameras for rental property listed on Airbnb cannot be placed in private spaces, and their presence must be disclosed in your Airbnb listing.  Read this information to understand the Airbnb rules - what Airbnb does and doesn’t allow regarding security cameras for rental properties.  When you have these onsite you should also abide by all other privacy and legal laws.

Using security cameras for your rental property can provide a sense of security for you as the Host (especially as you are hosting Airbnb remotely), but also for the guests.  The point of having Airbnb security cameras is not to view live video of the guests at all times, but to create a safer environment for your guests and property – and to have a record of a situation if anything were to go wrong.

To find the best security cameras for Airbnb, try these recommended products that you can buy at Best Buy, Lowes and Home Depot: 

Cloud storage and the ability to save recorded video clips (as documentation should be there a problem) are must-have host tools.  If your camera will be outside, be sure that you choose one of the best outdoor security cameras.  It should be weatherproof and include high-quality night vision. 

 

5. An Airbnb Property Manager/Management Company OR a Cleaning and Maintenance Team

 

As part of starting your own Airbnb rental business, you will need to determine whether you are going to be your own Airbnb manager and host on your own, or if you will hire an Airbnb property manager or Airbnb management service.  Here are the things to consider when making this decision:

  • Do you want to manage your Airbnb yourself?

  • If so, how much time and effort are you willing to put into managing your Airbnb?

  • What Airbnb property management fees would you have to pay to hire an Airbnb property manager? 

  • How close do you live to your Airbnb, and is it reasonable for you to act as an Airbnb manager?   

  • What are the benefits and costs of having an Airbnb property manager compared to running Airbnb remotely on your own?  How does it fit with your vision of how to run your Airbnb business? 

  • Is there part of the Airbnb hosting process you want to keep to yourself and part that you want to hire an Airbnb manager for?  It would be worth it to determine how much it would cost to operate your Airbnb this way.

If you decide to run your Airbnb remotely on your own, you will need to hire a professional Airbnb cleaning service and an on-call maintenance company, unless you plan on performing these tasks yourself.  It would also be wise to keep a list of local vendors on-hand (electrician, plumber, etc.) for any additional issues that may arise with your Airbnb property. 

There are some host tools that you can use to communicate with your cleaning company, but if you’re looking for a simple option, using a shared Google calendar to request Airbnb cleaning services will do the trick!

 

Additional Tips for Managing Airbnb Remotely

 

  • These tips that help with Airbnb automation for you as the Host should also be set up to maximize convenience for the guests who are on vacation.  Be sure there is nothing extra that the guests will need to download or install on their own smartphone to access the systems you use to manage Airbnb remotely.

  • Keep a copy of your guestbook on your phone (as a PDF or in a picture format).  This is in case you need to reference something or if the hard copy book gets lot or damaged and you need to electronically send it to your guest.

  • Take photos of things in your Airbnb that are difficult to commit to memory, but you might need to know while you are not on-site, as you are running Airbnb remotely.  Photograph power breakers, the water heater, thermostat and anything you might need to describe in detail to a repair person when you can’t meet them there in person. 

  • If you have multiple Airbnb real estate properties, you can use all the same technology and Airbnb apps for hosts described above to manage everything together on one system (your smartphone)!

  • Even though you are hosting Airbnb remotely, you should plan to visit your Airbnb at regular intervals to check on everything. 

Although some of these Airbnb tools may take some time to set up, once you have them in place you will be on your way to hosting your Airbnb remotely! Keep the ball rolling and check out these additional resources for Airbnb Hosts!

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