9 common mistakes to avoid when starting a short-term rental
Short-term rentals in Estonia, especially in Tallinn and Tartu, can be profitable, but there are certain mistakes to avoid. If you want your Airbnb guest apartment to earn the highest possible return, these are nine common mistakes you should prevent.
1. Understanding guest expectations
Is your target group made up of tourists, business travellers or digital nomads? Different guests have different needs. Business travellers expect fast Wi-Fi and a workspace, while holidaymakers value comfort and recommendations for local sights and activities. Research the expectations of your target group so you can provide the right amenities. Airbnb management companies can help define that audience and tailor the service to it.
2. Exaggerating in the listing
Guests value honesty. If the apartment is 20 minutes from the city centre, do not write that it is “only a few minutes away”. A disappointed guest is unlikely to stay with you again, while poor reviews reduce trust and future bookings.
3. Having no personal experience of using Airbnb
If you have never used Airbnb yourself, it is harder to notice potential issues from the guest’s point of view. This creates extra work and can also affect your ratings. Stay in guest apartments yourself, consider what you would do better and compare the experience with your own offering. A stay with another host provides valuable information, so make use of it.
4. Incorrect pricing
The short-term rental market changes constantly. Airbnb management companies use dynamic pricing tools such as PriceLabs to remain competitive, follow market trends and secure the highest possible revenue.
5. Poor communication with guests
Fast and clear communication is essential for guest satisfaction and for optimising performance on Airbnb or Booking.com. Responding to enquiries and questions promptly builds trust and improves the guest experience. Whenever possible, SmartStay’s managers respond to every message within two minutes of its arrival so that platform algorithms keep our properties as high as possible in search results.
6. Insufficient cleaning and maintenance
Do you clean independently or use a cleaning service? A high standard of cleanliness is central to a good review, and cleaners are your eyes and ears. A capable cleaning provider gives you real-time feedback about the condition of the apartment, allowing ongoing improvements and ensuring that guests find it in ideal condition.
7. Accommodation rules and conditions
A cancellation policy that is too strict may deter potential guests. Excessive rigidity in house rules or inflexible cancellation terms can discourage people from booking your Airbnb. A reasonable degree of flexibility can increase the number of bookings.
8. Personal belongings in the rental apartment
Remove personal belongings while still creating a welcoming atmosphere for guests. Consult specialists who understand what belongs in a short-term rental apartment and what does not. Personal items such as documents or medication should be kept away from guests to protect both your comfort and theirs.
9. Using professional help
Managing an apartment alone is difficult because problems can arise at night, at weekends and while you are on holiday. If you want your guests to have support around the clock, consider an Airbnb management service that reduces your workload and raises the quality of the accommodation, helping improve its returns.
For the best result when starting with Airbnb, avoid these nine mistakes and consider using a professional Airbnb management service. If you want to optimise the income from your property, contact us!