Air BnB dos and donts
Short-term rentals – Booming or a bust?
Opening an Air BnB? From savvy location picks to legal essentials, let’s dive in!
Let’s look at the delightful highs (and occasional hiccups) of running a short‑term rental in sunny South Africa.
Why short-term rentals are booming
Recently there has been a definite surge in short‑term rentals. Why? Travelers want more than stale hotel corridors—they crave experiences. They want to stay in a Cape Town townhouse carved into Signal Hill, peek into Joburg neighbourhood life, or wander around Durban’s bougie beach suburbs before having brekkie in their “own” back yard.
Business travellers, too, are on the move: Whether it’s a conference, a long term hospital stay of a loved one, a working week jam packed with meetings, or a short term contract that’s is forcing them to be away from their own homes. Folks want comfort, convenience, and a homey vibe, and short‑term rentals can deliver that.
Prime real estate: What makes a rental shine
Location, location, location—and a pinch of practicality. A guest doesn’t just book a place; they choose an experience.
Take Note: Don’t forget about business travellers. A space close to the Sandton Convention Centre, or near a big medical complex can lure visitors there for conferences, medical trips, or corporate stays.
A bit of both
A mix of tourist appeal and commercial convenience equals consistent bookings year‑round
The ideal host: You are the secret sauce.
Hosting isn’t just handing over a key—it’s inviting someone into a familiar haven.
- Welcoming and responsive: Easy and flexible communication is key. WhatsApp, Email, In-app messaging…whatever works for your guests.
- Be obsessive about detail: You’ve got neatly folded towels, chargers for every device, clear check‑in instructions, spotless bathrooms etc.
- Friendly but respectful: Chat if they’re up for it, but don’t hover.
- Resourceful and local-savvy: Share hidden LOCAL gems — “The garage down the street has the best coffee” or “Stay off of the R21 on Sundays!” You need to be more than a guidebook. You should be something between an old-fashioned butler and Google traffic alerts.
The bare minimum for a “Furnished” space
- A comfortable bed with quality linenThe best locally manufactured blankets and bedding.. Forget the rickety fold And scratchy bargain bin sheets. Make your beds a sleep haven.
- Plenty of clean towels and basics like hand soap and lots and lots of loo paper.
- A functional bathroom: hot water guaranteed, no dripping taps, no wonky shower doors. Nonslip bathmats and sufficient lighting.
- Wi‑Fi strong enough for uninterrupted Zoom calls and Netflix. Ensure that every corner of your unit has good reception. Maybe your guest wants to binge Netflix on the bathroom floor…don’t judge.
- A well‑equipped kitchenette: basics like a kettle, toaster and mini-fridge. If your tap water isn’t potable, have a filter installed or provide complementary bottled water. If it is safe to drink, let your guests know.
- Power outlets near beds and desks—chargers aplenty. Look at wall mounted plugs with USB adapters, and even have an extension cord available.
- Security and clarity: a small safe with a coded lock, Printed out House Rules, emergency numbers, maybe a fire extinguisher. Also have a visible emergency plan and well-marked exits.
Take Note: Skip on these essentials, and you are basically just allowing strangers to camp in your garage.
Budget‑friendly luxuries that shine
A few thoughtful touches can elevate your listing—but won’t break the bank:
- Welcome pack: local Rooibos tea, good coffee, fresh biscuits, rusks and a small bottle of fresh milk.
- Outdoor space: a small braai or bistro table on a patio—ideal for lazy breakfasts.
- Streaming-ready TV: Netflix, Showmax, or DSTV access is huge with international guests.
- Stylish linens and extra cushions: Make sure your space is inviting in winter with visible extra blankets and throws.
- Local guidebook: printed or digital with your favourite cafés, shops, and secret spots. (Think safe walking trails, good hairdressers, local GP)
- Eco-friendly extras: recycle bins, cruelty-free toiletries – small gestures, but the add big appeal.
These affordable perks won’t torpedo your budget but will have guests thinking, “Mmmmm. This feels fancy!”
Legalities, Insurance & Safety
Now for the not‑so‑sparkling but essential bit: legal and insurance considerations.
- Insurance: A standard home‑contents policy likely won’t cut it once you open the door to paying guests. You’ll need proper short‑term‑rental (STR) coverage—look for policies that cover liability, theft, and damage.
- Health & Safety: Make sure smoke alarms work, electrical installations are certified, and extinguishers are accessible. If you offer a pool, a safety fence is absolutely required.
- Noise regulations: Municipal bylaws in places like Cape Town limit after‑hours noise; post house rules stating, “no wild parties” and even if you don’t want to impede your guests’ joy with a total ban on music, make it very clear that excessive noise after 22h00 won’t be tolerated.
- Tax compliance: Income from rentals is taxable. Register with SARS and include your rental profits in your annual return.
Rights & Responsibilities When Guests Misbehave
Let’s be real: Occasionally, guests go rogue. Prevention is better than cure, so you need a few things in place in case this happens.
- Clear house rules: Before booking, guests should acknowledge terms like “no pets,” “no parties,” and the penalties for deviant behaviour.
- Security deposit: consider requiring a refundable deposit for potential damage, but communicate the terms clearly.
- Intervention: if neighbours complain or noise levels skyrocket, you can (and should) contact the guest. Offer a firm but gentle warning before escalating.
- Eviction protocols: your platform’s policy—via Airbnb or whatever other platform you choose—should include provisions to remove guests who violate rules. Keep local municipal by‑laws handy, and if drama unfolds, have legal support to call in.
Take note: South African law protects property owners, but it’s always wise to familiarize yourself with the Prevention of Illegal Eviction and Unlawful Occupation Act (PIE), in case guests refuse to leave.
South African Alternatives. Airbnb is a crowd favourite, but there are great local platforms:
- VRBO (part of Expedia Group): Popular for families and larger homes.
- com: While known for hotels, it’s grabbed a big slice of the STR pie too.
- RnR Offers luxury whole-house holiday rentals.
- My Private Villas Catering to international clients…at international prices.
- Homes Of Africa Centralised around Hoedspruit, this is an aspirational listing…If I owned one of these spaces I’d be living there 365!
Top Tip: Listing on multiple platforms helps boost visibility. Just be ready to manage calendars and communications across them—or use a channel manager to do it for you.
The local edit:
If you are seriously considering entering the short term rental business, we spoke to a very successful local Air BnB hostess. Here is what she said.
I recommend focusing on these four important areas:
Be authentic, price appropriately for your area, communicate well, and provide a few key comforts.
- Authentic
Be authentic to yourself. You don’t want your place to look like every other Airbnb out there. Let your personality shine through, and consider what you would personally appreciate when travelling. Guests value a space that feels unique and thoughtfully curated.
- Well-priced within your area
Do some research on how many other properties in your neighbourhood are listed on Airbnb, and position your pricing accordingly among your Airbnb peers. It’s all about value over volume: A tiny, super-comfy flat with thoughtful touches can outshine a big, boring mansion if it’s priced just right. Remember, guests love a deal — not a discount disaster.
- Good Old Communication
Airbnb allows you to set up automated messages to help manage communication with guests. Even if you don’t use this feature, save your standard messages so you can easily access and personalise them for each guest.
Be prompt in your replies. Make sure you have the Airbnb app installed on your phone and that notifications are enabled so you can quickly assist if a guest has an issue—like a tripped electricity switch.
Every guest is generally reasonable when a crisis arises, but it’s how you deal with the situation that will earn you a great review—even if the experience wasn’t perfect.
- Comfortable extras
If you’re just starting out and need to decide where to spend your extra budget, prioritise wisely. Good quality linen is far more important than a designer feature wall.
Here’s what I recommend investing in first to ensure a comfortable stay:
- Good quality 100% cotton linen
- Large, plush towels
- Both feather and sponge pillow options
So, here’s to happy hosting South African style—Cheers to heartfelt hello’s, easy check‑ins, and glowing five‑star reviews after the poignant farewell!
