Airbnb Host Duties: what does an Airbnb host do?

Running a short-term rental takes more work than most people think. It's not just about accepting bookings — Airbnb host duties require you to stay alert at all times of the day: from answering early-morning guest messages to responding to late-night maintenance issues.

Thinking about becoming an Airbnb host or looking to improve your hosting experience? Here's what really goes into the day-to-day of managing a successful property.

What does an Airbnb host do daily?

1. Starting the day right

Most successful Airbnb hosts know that a strong morning routine sets up their entire day. While many people think of hosting as a passive income stream, the reality is that it requires active management, especially in the morning hours when guests are either checking out or preparing to arrive.

The early hours are crucial for catching any issues from overnight stays and preparing for new arrivals. Many problems can be prevented with a thorough morning check-in, and guests often send their most important messages first thing in the morning.

Your morning tasks might include:

• Reviewing new booking requests
• Responding to guest enquiries
• Checking upcoming check-ins and check-outs
• Planning the day's cleaning schedule
• Following up on maintenance requests

One of the most crucial tasks you must do every morning, especially after check-outs, is to inspect your property for any damage from the previous guest. According to Airbnb's damage policy and Airbnb claim process, Airbnb hosts only have 14 days from check-out to report any damage, so it's a must to keep on top of this.

2. Managing guest communications

Communication is the backbone of successful hosting. Being an Airbnb host isn't just about having a nice property — a key aspect of Airbnb host duties is being able to respond well, and respond fast, to guest enquiries. The biggest contributor to guest satisfactionicomes from how well their questions and concerns are handled. Great communication can turn an average stay into a five-star review, while poor communication can ruin even the most luxurious experience.

Today's guests expect quick responses and clear information, no matter the time of day. And while many successful hosts use a mix of automated responses and personal messages to maintain high service levels without burning out, you would still need to be able to respond to any urgent issues 24/7.

Having difficulty keeping up with guest messages and requests? Consider partnering up with Hometime for top-quaity guest management services.

3. Property preparation and cleaning

Cleaning might seem straightforward, but in the world of short-term rentals, it's an art form. With Airbnb's cleaning standards becoming stricter, the bar for cleanliness has never been higher. Guests today expect hotel-level cleanliness with the comfort of a home.

The challenge isn't just in the cleaning itself, but in the timing and coordination. With back-to-back bookings becoming more common, Airbnb hosts need to manage tight turnaround times while maintaining impeccable standards. This often means having backup cleaners and a detailed system for checking that nothing gets missed.

A proper turnover should include:

• Deep cleaning all surfaces
• Changing bed linens
• Restocking essentials
• Checking appliances work properly
• Taking photos of the property's condition

4. Handling maintenance and repairs‍

Maintenance is often the most unpredictable part of being an Airbnb host. Unlike traditional rentals where issues can sometimes wait a few days, short-term rental maintenance needs immediate attention. A broken air conditioner or faulty WiFi can lead to refund requests and poor reviews, making rapid response essential.

The key to successful maintenance is preventing issues before they happen. According to the Australian Housing Industry Association, regular maintenance can prevent up to 70% of emergency repair calls. This preventative approach not only saves money in the long run but also helps maintain consistent positive reviews.

Hometime tip: Speed up your Airbnb maintenance checks with Hometime's printable Airbnb maintenance checklist. We've also got a handy beach house maintenance guide, just in case your property is near the coast.

5. Afternoon administrative work‍

While guests see the front-end of hosting — the clean house, the quick responses, the smooth check-in — there's a substantial amount of backend work that keeps everything running. The afternoon is often when Airbnb hosts can catch up on the business side of their rental, managing everything from financial tracking to marketing updates.

This administrative work is crucial for long-term success. You need to understand your property's performance, stay competitive in your market, and plan for future improvements. Many hosts find that this behind-the-scenes work takes up more time than they expected, but it's essential for running a profitable rental.

The middle of the day is often your best time to catch up on admin tasks:

• Updating your calendar
• Adjusting pricing based on local events
• Managing your property listing
• Organising invoices and expenses
• Planning future improvements

6. Evening preparations‍

The evening routine is all about preparation and prevention. Just as the morning routine sets up the day, the evening routine sets up the night and the next day. This is when experienced Airbnb hosts take steps to prevent those midnight emergency calls and ensure smooth early morning check-ins.

Good evening preparation can make the difference between a peaceful night and a series of urgent guest messages. It's also the time when many hosts review their day's work and plan for upcoming stays, ensuring they're always one step ahead of guest needs.

As the day winds down, you should:

• Double-check upcoming arrivals
• Confirm cleaning schedules
• Review any maintenance updates
• Prepare welcome messages for tomorrow's guests
• Set up automated responses for overnight messages

Make Airbnb hosting easier with short-term rental management services‍

If this sounds like a lot of work, that's because it is. Many Airbnb hosts find that working with an experienced Airbnb manager helps them maintain high standards without the daily stress. Property managers can handle everything from guest communications to maintenance coordination, letting you enjoy the benefits of hosting without the around-the-clock commitment.

Hometime's Airbnb management services in Australia can help you with a variety of property management tasks, such as:

• Property styling and photography
• Listing optimisation
• Cleaning services
• Revenue and booking management
• Guest management
• Property maintenance
• Access to Hometime's all-in-one property management software