My first year running an Airbnb in my home

In early 2022 I launched an Airbnb out of my home. That’s right, I opened my doors up to complete strangers for a full year. At the outset, you may shake your head at that idea and dismiss it completely. If that was your first response, please reserve judgment until you finish reading the next few paragraphs.

Let’s dive in.

I listed a single bedroom, with a queen bed and an adjoining private 4-piece bathroom for guests to use. They also had access to their own living room, equipped with couches and a TV, and shared use of the kitchen, fridge, and driveway.

I launched the listing in Feb 2022 and had it active throughout the rest of the year.

My rules:

• no children (my house is not childproof and did not to open myself to any liability issues)

• only accepted verified guests (ID and previous positive review track record)

• only 2 guests maximum

• I would only rent out the space while I was at home/work. Never while I was traveling out of the city.

It is also important to note, that I did purposefully block off dates in the calendar for my own personal time and social events. Ya know, sometimes you just need the space to yourself, so you can belt out lyrics and walk around in your pajamas without shame. Something I already lack.

Common questions (and the corresponding answers) I regularly field when I talk about my AirBnB are:

🤔 Who the heck is renting a single bedroom and bathroom?

✅ My guests are typically couples (of all ages), and it is rare that I get a single person staying.

🤔 What is the most common reason people are traveling to your area?

✅ In the summertime, it is definitely to check out the local wineries, breweries and nature. I do get a few couples attending a family function or a wedding!

🤔 What is the most damage that you have had to your place?

✅ A clogged toilet, I had to purchase some drain cleaner and a mini auger, no big deal.

🤔 Where are your guests usually traveling from?

✅ I’ve had guests from Sweden, England, Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, BC, Manitoba, Quebec, and a lot from Ontario.

✅ Total Available Nights Offered: 269

✅ Total Nights Booked: 88

✅ Occupancy Rate Overall: 33%

✅ Busiests Months: May through August, Occupancy rate 66-71%

✅ Total Gross Income: $7160

✅ Net Income: $2020

✅ Management/Cleaning Hours: 70hrs

✅ Net Return on Time: $60/hour

✅ Eligible Expenses (please confirm with your tax professional):

• Mortgage Interest, Property Tax, Utilities

• Internet, Cable, and TV Subscriptions

• Furnishings, Repairs, and Maintenance

• Consumables (Coffee, tea, fruits, etc)

• Cleaning and Toilettrie Supplies, ABNB host fee