Listing Tips

Hosting with Pets
If you plan to host with pets, additional care is required to maintain sanitation and comfort. Pet hair, odors, and litter areas must be carefully managed. Cats in particular require extra attention, as they may access countertops or surfaces used for food preparation. Hosts should ensure pet-related items are kept out of shared kitchens and dining areas and that cleaning routines meet hospitality standards.

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Home Design & Functional Space
Not every home layout is suitable for hosting guests as additional occupants. Kitchens must have adequate counter space, storage, and refrigerator capacity to support shared use. If a home’s design limits food preparation or storage—and those limits cannot reasonably be addressed, and it may not be appropriate for hosting even up to two guests. Guests should be able to function comfortably without competing for basic space.

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Stairways & Access Safety
Access to a room or apartment should be safe and practical. Steep, narrow, spiral, or sharply inclined staircases may pose safety risks, particularly for guests with luggage or limited mobility. In these cases, the space may not be suitable for hosting, or the access limitations must be clearly disclosed.

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Cleaning for Longer Stays
For stays longer than one week, cleanliness requires ongoing attention. Shared bathrooms should be checked and refreshed regularly. Hosts should not rely solely on guests or infrequent professional cleaning to maintain hygiene. Regular upkeep helps ensure shared spaces remain sanitary and comfortable throughout the stay.

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Customer Service & Communication
Good hosting extends beyond a friendly greeting at check-in. Checking in with guests during their stay helps identify concerns early, ensures comfort, and gives guests space to share feedback or request assistance. Thoughtful, timely communication throughout the stay supports a smoother experience for both guests and hosts.

 

Hosts should also be mindful that many guests are bilingual; avoid assuming a guest does not understand your language. Any conversations about guests or personal matters should be kept private and out of shared spaces.

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Business Overhead (Cost of Doing Business)

Essentials such as toilet paper, paper towels, dish soap, clean kitchen towels, decent cookware (not the cheapest- pots, pans, flatware) and simple staples like salt and pepper are not “extras” they are part of operating a functional, livable space.

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Professional hosting absorbing these costs benefits both sides: guests feel welcomed and cared for, and hosts receive better satisfaction, smoother stays, and stronger positive reviews when essentials are included seamlessly. Guests arrive to a space that works immediately, and hosts avoid unnecessary complaints. Itemizing these items can feel like price-gouging and undermines guest confidence.

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Note: A room rental may reasonably differ from an entire-apartment listing, but basic cleanliness, usability, and essential supplies should still be accounted for in the price.

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