When Airbnb took the travel industry by storm in 2009, many cringed about renting a room from a stranger and opening their home to someone who may take off with the good China. Fifteen years later, the vacation rental app is a major go-to for travelers looking for an international getaway, or a staycation with a view and a pool.

Ward 7 resident and lawyer Synta Keeling took a deep dive into the world of Airbnb hosting with two properties, a lake house in Virginia and her own home in northeast D.C., and she said her life is better for it. Strangers in her home? No problem. She’s got cameras. Renting your home in D.C.? Easy peasy. But this mom of two, and every other Airbnb host in the District, has to pay close attention to the rules because they differ in every city and can be eye-opening if you’re on the fence about becoming a host.

So before redesigning that guest room, or writing a description for your quaint oasis in the capital, learn from Keeling’s experiences as an East of the River Airbnb host.

Q: What is the first thing a homeowner should do when considering becoming an Airbnb host?

A: Wherever you think you’re going to host, do your due diligence about researching the local regulations. Call the city’s office in charge of that. In a smaller town, it may be calling a local government director. Don’t take your realtor’s word for it.

Q: What benefits have you experienced during your time as an Airbnb host?

A:  Certainly the extra income. My everyday expenses are met. I’m able to write this off on taxes. Being a host has helped with my loan payments and being able to have my own family. It definitely supplements childcare expenses. 

Q: How secure do you feel whether you share space in your home with renters or rent to “strangers.”

A: For most of this, I’ve hosted as a single woman. A lot of renters actually prefer a female host. You can no longer have internal cameras in living spaces, but I have a doorbell camera that I fully disclose in my guidebook and in messages that puts them on notice that I’m watching, and that this is for your safety and mine. I screen guests with questions. If they can’t answer my basic questions, then I don’t accept  the booking.

Q: What is an unexpected aspect of being an Airbnb host?

A: You meet some incredible people as guests. I had a great guest who came here before he started working as an ironworker on the Hill. He was such a kind person. He became part of our friend circle. Another guest from Seoul, Korea was moving here to work at IDB. She became part of the friend circle. They both went to my mother’s funeral, and attended both the weddings in the same year. I spoke at her wedding as her maid of honor.

Q: Since you know the experience of hosting on the lake in Virginia, how does the experience differ in the city? 

A: Lakehouse hosting is seasonal. I can only do stays of 30 or more days at the lake. People are coming for recreation almost always. Maybe you’ll pick up a travel nurse or an insurance client. DC is a great place to host 365 days a year. People have something to do here no matter the season. We’re constantly one major event away from not having enough lodging options. 

Q: What challenges have you come in contact with as a host?

A: Make sure your guests are aware of the licensing issue. When people come to our side of D.C., particularly those who have misgivings about being around people of color, they may start attacking the listing about safety, or cleanliness and how the home looks “lived in.” In D.C., they need to know that DC residents can only homeshare from their primary residence.

Q: How do you compete with other Airbnbs, especially those west of the river?

A: Manage expectations–yours and the guests’. Most people think, “put your best foot forward,” but you really need to put your weakness forward. When staying at an Airbnb, it’s a very individualized experience. I’m going up against homes in Georgetown. We live in a food desert/restaurant desert, so I share in the listing details that guests are  going to have to drive to restaurants or do DoorDash, but I also say, “hey you’re going to have a parking space here.” That’s one major thing. If you let them know about the negatives in advance and if they book, there are no surprises. 

Q: What have you learned from your first few years of being an Airbnb host?

A: You have to bank on the fact that people aren’t going to read listing details. I put everything in the photo captions, in the guidebook, and messages, but still have issues. Actively seek out private feedback, swallow your pride, and get constructive feedback. Then tweak or make sure future guests know about recurring issues.

Q: How do you attract potential renters? 

A: Pick a popular event like inauguration, the PorchFestDC, or World Pride, which is coming to DC in 2025. These are opportunities where you know why the guest is here. In your listing, reference your place as a great place to stay. Tailor to their needs and you’re going to get a great review. I pick up a lot of Fedex field traffic because I’m close to there and there are no nearby hotels.

Zerline Hughes Spruill curates Our House DC, The Washington Informer's monthly newsletter encouraging Black homeownership in Wards 7 and 8. A Ward 7 resident herself, Zerline's reporting and writing has...

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