Published 21 October 2025
How to Airbnb your home
The UK is a hub for travellers, sightseers and holiday-goers, but turning your house into an Airbnb can be a nerve-wracking process. We've pulled together a guide to help you get started on your journey to becoming a Superhost and make the most of the holiday makers travelling through the UK.Â
- Check your insurance policy to make sure you're covered in case anything goes wrong.
- Get your space ready for guests, so you leave a lasting impression.
- Check your local rules and regulations around renting out a space.Â
How do I get started on Airbnb?
If you do your research, getting started on Airbnb can be a straightforward, simple and free process. From homes to huts, windmills and even boats, Airbnbs come in all shapes and sizes and your space could be the unique stay someone's looking for.
A good starting point is to check out what the competition is doing:
- Find out what the nightly rates are.
- Research how other local homes market themselves and the images they use.Â
- Look at what other amenities other Airbnbs offer.
This will give you a good idea of how to position your Airbnb when listing it. Airbnb will help you with pricing, descriptions and photographs, so have a good spring clean, tidy the mess and make sure your home's looking its best.
It's worth checking local rules that apply to your specific circumstances. For example, hosting in London is limited to only 90 days per year and the listing closes once you've reached that limit. Before you become a host, familiarise yourself with the various hosting responsibilities, laws and regulations.Â
Does your home insurance cover Airbnb?
It's a big deal having other people stay in your home, so it's vital to make sure you're covered before listing it online.Â
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One of the most important steps is to inform your mortgage provider and check your home insurance, as not all insurance policies have you covered and nobody wants a hefty bill after a stay
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The good news for Allianz Home Insurance customers is that Airbnb cover is included as long as:
- The property continues to be your main home where you normally live.Â
- Rooms in your home aren't rented out for more than 60 days a year.Â
- There are no more than four guests staying at any one time.Â
- There are no more than two bedrooms used by guests.Â
You can sleep tight knowing Allianz covers the loss and damage caused by paying guests, such as vandalised property, as long as you've ticked the eligibility boxes.
It's worth remembering not everything's covered under your Airbnb insurance. For example, Allianz doesn't cover loss or damage to your paying guests' belongings, say if a leak ruins their luggage and theft wouldn't be covered if a door's left open.Â
How do I get my home ready for Airbnb guests?Â
Once you've confirmed eligibility and insurance cover, give your home a thorough spring clean. Hosting isn't just about providing a bed, you want to create a memorable experience for your guests. Better experiences lead to better reviews and more bookings.Â
The best thing to do is make yourself a checklist of everything you'd want to see in a top-quality Airbnb. The last thing you want is a call in the middle of the night asking for an extra towel or to let you know the fridge isn't working. Before hosting your next stay, at the very least you should have the following covered:Â
- Electric appliances: working refrigerator, freezer, oven, washing machine and dryer.Â
- Living room: comfy sofas, curtains, cushions and throws.Â
- Bedrooms: soft bedding, blankets and firm mattresses.Â
- Bathrooms: clean toliets, sinks and showers.Â
There's quite a lot to do behind the scenes when you rent your home, tidying clutter, clearing fridge space, ironing linen, and stocking up on essentials can make a big difference.Â
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How do I become an Airbnb Superhost?
If you go above and beyond for your guests Airbnb will grant you Superhost status. This gives guests quality assurance on their stay, making your space more attractive for future customers. The criteria for Superhost status includes:Â
- Value for money.Â
- Cleanliness of the stay.
- Speed of your response on the app.
- Whether you cancel any bookings.
- How often you rent your home.
Superhosts earn more money from extra bookings and can get priority placement on Airbnb. Hosts can also rate guests, if you find a guest has been difficult to communicate with or hasn't left your home as you'd like, you can give honest feedback after their visit.Â
How do I declare my Airbnb earnings?Â
Airbnb is a fun and flexible way to meet people and earn extra money.Â
Once your listings is live, it's crucial you declare your earnings to Inland revenue. This money you make through Airbnb is taxable so it's important you make this known.Â
In the UK there's tax relief on renting one room in your house, but the rules are different when you rent the whole house or a space within your property. It's best to talk to an accountant if you're not sure.
Preparing your home properly and going the extra mile not only protects you from unexpected costs but also helps you to become a Superhost for your guests.Â
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