Why I’m Saying Goodbye to Airbnb and Hello Again to Long-Term Renting

For years, Airbnb seemed like the golden ticket for my two rental properties. The promise of higher nightly rates, flexible scheduling, and the allure of being a “host” rather than a landlord was intoxicating. I dove in headfirst, meticulously crafting listings, perfecting my hosting persona, and becoming a small cog in the ever-growing sharing economy. But after a rollercoaster of experiences, I’ve made the difficult decision to switch back to long-term renting. This isn’t a decision I’ve taken lightly, and I want to share my reasoning behind it.

My initial foray into Airbnb was exciting. The income boost was undeniable, especially during peak seasons. I enjoyed the interaction with guests from all over the world, learning about their travels and sharing recommendations for my city. The constant cycle of cleaning and preparing the properties felt manageable, even enjoyable at times. I envisioned a streamlined operation, a well-oiled machine churning out profits while I sipped margaritas on a beach somewhere.

The reality, however, quickly became more complex. The first crack in my Airbnb dream appeared with the sheer amount of work involved. Managing two properties, even with the help of a cleaner, became a full-time job. The constant communication with potential guests, answering questions, coordinating check-ins and check-outs, and resolving issues (which, inevitably, arose) was exhausting. The supposed flexibility of Airbnb turned into a constant state of being “on,” ready to respond to a message or handle a crisis at any moment.

Then there was the unpredictability. While peak seasons brought in a windfall, the off-seasons were a different story. Empty weeks stretched into months, and I found myself scrambling to fill gaps in the calendar, often resorting to lowering my rates significantly. The fluctuating income made budgeting a nightmare and created a constant sense of financial insecurity. Unlike long-term rentals, where I could rely on a consistent monthly income, Airbnb felt like a gamble.

The wear and tear on the properties also became a major concern. While I had initially thought short-term stays would mean less wear and tear, the opposite proved true. The constant turnover of guests, each with their own habits and levels of care, resulted in more frequent repairs and replacements. Furniture, appliances, and even the walls themselves seemed to age faster under the constant stream of temporary occupants. The cost of maintaining the properties to Airbnb standards, including providing fresh linens, toiletries, and other amenities, began to eat into my profits.

And let’s not forget the “horror stories.” While the vast majority of my guests were respectful and responsible, I did encounter a few who were not. From unauthorized parties and property damage to outright theft, I experienced the darker side of the sharing economy. Dealing with these situations was stressful, time-consuming, and often expensive. While Airbnb offers some protection for hosts, navigating their resolution process was often frustrating and ultimately didn’t fully compensate for the losses incurred.

Beyond the practical challenges, I also began to feel a sense of disconnect from my community. My properties, once homes for families and individuals who contributed to the neighborhood, became transient spaces for temporary visitors. The sense of stability and connection that comes with long-term residents was replaced by a constant flow of strangers. I missed the neighborly interactions and the feeling of contributing to the fabric of my community.

Perhaps the most significant factor in my decision was the emotional toll. The constant stress of managing the properties, dealing with unpredictable guests, and worrying about income fluctuations began to take a toll on my well-being. I found myself constantly checking my phone, even when I was supposed to be relaxing, and my sleep suffered. The joy I had initially felt about being an Airbnb host was replaced by a sense of anxiety and overwhelm.

Ultimately, I realized that the promise of higher income and flexible scheduling wasn’t worth the stress, unpredictability, and emotional drain. While Airbnb can be a successful venture for some, it simply wasn’t the right fit for me and my properties. I longed for the stability and predictability of long-term rentals, the connection to my community, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing my properties are in good hands.

So, I’m saying goodbye to Airbnb and hello again to long-term renting. I’m looking forward to building relationships with tenants, contributing to my community, and regaining some much-needed peace of mind. While I may not be sipping margaritas on a beach just yet, I’m confident that this decision is the right one for me, my properties, and my well-being. It’s a return to a more traditional approach to real estate, but for me, it feels like coming home. Call me anytime I’m happy to share more of my experience as a Super Host. Angelo 602 299-1743 and local realtor if your looking sell or rent or buy. I’m your go to guy!!