Advantages and Disadvantages of Airbnb
Airbnb business continues to grow across the world and many governments are coming in to set regulations just like hotels that require Airbnb providers to be subjected to taxes.
Skeeter Imisa
In the quest to raise rent money, Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky loaned out rooms in their apartment to visitors. The idea later spread to what the world now knows as Air Bed and Breakfast and simply Airbnb.
This is an online platform that connects people who want to rent out their homes with those looking for accommodation.
Airbnb business continues to grow across the world and many governments are coming in to set regulations just like hotels that require Airbnb providers to be subjected to taxes.
Kenya has not been left behind as recently Airbnb providers in the country were asked to conform to the new regulations. The letter specified that all those undertaking furnished homes/apartments and Villa businesses should register with the Tourism Regulatory Authority and pay a license fee.
However, this is not going to be a hindrance to those seeking to venture into this business. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of Airbnb.
Advantages of Airbnb
Free Listing
Hosts do not have to pay to list their properties. Listing information includes photographs of the property with captions and the location.
Variety
Many and different kinds of rooms are listed under Airbnb. From single rooms to even castles. Therefore, one has a wide range of options to choose from.
Customized Searches
Airbnb database is easy to use. You can easily find a room not only by date and location but also by price and type of property.
Protections for Guests and Hosts
One of the requirements that hosts are required to check is a valid national identity card or any other document that can be used to trace the guest in case of any misfortune happenings.
Guests are also guaranteed a 24/7 customer service line and provide a refund where a cancellation has been done due to misunderstanding.
No Fixed Prices
The host decides on how much to charge for their property in regards to the services offered. However, Airbnb charges a service fee for each reservation to cover the cost of processing.
Disadvantages of Airbnb
No Guarantee to what You See
Hosts come up with their own listings and is not a guarantee that it is true. So guests only depend on the reviews from previous guests.
Damages
The greatest risk that hosts are likely to face is damage to property. Just the same way a guest is not guaranteed with the information found in the database, the host also doesn’t have the assurance of the behavior of the person coming to stay in the house.
