Pros and Cons of Airbnb Hosting

I’ve been on Airbnb since 2014. It’s an amazing platform because it transforms your home into a place strangers can enjoy, too. There’s something deeply rewarding about welcoming people into your life like this. You’re opening up the most important space in your life to the world.

But hosting isn’t easy. Owning and maintaining a home is already hard. Add strangers coming every week and suddenly it’s more questions, more maintenance, more work — and about as far from passive income as you can get.

We’re often asked for tips on starting an Airbnb or VRBO listing. But before we share advice, we always ask: Do you really want to be a host? Then we walk through the pros, the cons, and everything in between.

Pros

• Making something bespoke. Great Airbnbs aren’t hotels. They’re unique expressions of your personality. Letting others experience something you’ve built is exhilarating.
• Creating memories. Your space becomes the backdrop for family vacations, engagements, and lifelong stories.
• The thrill of new bookings. Like getting a new follower — but better, because they’re paying to stay in your home.
• Return guests feel like family. Giving them the best stay possible is a genuine high.
• Creative testing. From cleaning supplies to kitchen appliances to furniture, you’re constantly trying new things.

Neutral

• No day is the same. You’ll be shocked by what happens at your property. It’s exhausting and invigorating.
• Money isn’t the main reward. Bespoke hosts are lucky to break even. The real payoff is building something valuable and learning from guests.
• Human nature on display. You’ll see the best, and worst, in people.

Cons

• Angry guests over things you can’t control. Power outages, for example. Not being able to fix it when they need you is the worst.
• 24/7 availability. Even on date night or vacation, you’re glued to your phone. The one time you leave it behind, something happens. Worst. Feeling. Ever.
• Broken rules. Like asking guests to put out fires before checkout… and walking into a roaring blaze. Or no-pets guests showing up with pets.
• High maintenance costs. Especially if you’re committed to top-tier quality control.
• Feeling alone. Airbnb offers resources and support for hosts, but in practice, it’s easy to feel overlooked or even disposable.