How to Become a Vacation Rental Host

We didn’t get into hosting because we were property experts. We got into it because we had a space, a dream of passive income, and the same question you’re probably asking right now:
Where the heck do I begin?

The good news? Hosting is more accessible than ever. The even better news? You don’t have to figure it all out alone.

Let’s break it down, from the real-life perspective of people who’ve been there.

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First, ask yourself: is hosting really for me?

It’s tempting to look at Airbnb success stories and think it’s all easy money and sunshine. But hosting—especially when done right—requires a little more heart, effort, and attention than that.

You’ll need to care about the experience you’re offering. You’ll need to answer the occasional guest message at inconvenient times. And yes, you’ll need to let strangers into a space you care about.

But here’s the thing: it can also be incredibly rewarding.
The right guest can leave your place better than they found it. The right setup can turn an empty second home into a solid income stream. And the right support system—well, that’s where we come in.

If you're curious but cautious, you're in the perfect spot.

What do you actually need to get started?

Forget marble countertops or ocean views. What you really need is a property that’s safe, clean, and welcoming. That can be a studio, a spare bedroom, a second home, or something in between.

You'll also need to check the basics:

• Are you allowed to rent it out legally?
• Can guests access it easily and securely?
• Do you have (or can you set up) the basics like WiFi, clean bedding, and kitchen essentials?

Once that’s in place, you're ready to start thinking like a host.
Want a deeper dive into preparing your place? Check out our guide on getting your property guest-ready.

Choosing where to list: Airbnb, Booking.com, or both?

This is where a lot of new hosts get stuck.
Airbnb is user-friendly, flexible, and trusted by travelers. Booking.com brings volume, especially in tourist-heavy areas. VRBO is great for larger homes and family vacations.

Each platform comes with its own vibe, guest expectations, and fee structure. But the real key? Visibility. The more (well-managed) platforms you’re on, the more chances you have to get booked.

Managing that manually is a full-time job. That’s why at Huswell, we connect your property to multiple platforms at once—including our exclusive STAY.Huswell, which helps bring in direct bookings with lower commissions.

If you're wondering how to actually get listed on these platforms, we've written step-by-step breakdowns for Airbnb and Booking.com.

Managing it all: what to expect as a host

Let’s be honest—hosting isn’t just unlocking a door and waiting for the 5-star reviews to roll in.

There’s guest communication, pricing adjustments, last-minute questions, and making sure your space is cleaned and reset between bookings. And while some people love the hustle, others just want the results.

We built Huswell for the latter.

With us, you still own your property, but we manage everything behind the scenes—bookings, guest messages, pricing strategy, check-in coordination, and more. It’s still your business. We just make it run smoother.

So, where do you go from here?

If you’re reading this, you’ve already taken the most important first step: doing your homework.

From here, you can:

• Explore our guides for new hosts
• Take a peek at how to set up your listing
• Or simply talk to one of our experts and let us help you figure it all out

Whether you host on your own or partner with Huswell, just know this:
It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You’re not behind. And you’re absolutely capable of building something great.

We’ll be right here if you need us.

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