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Updated about 2 years ago, 10/14/2022
Airbnb into wedding venue???
Hey,
I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?
I appreciate any advice
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Hey,
I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?
I appreciate any advice
I can see your concern, honestly for the right price the balls in your court. I would personal go ahead with allowing them but then also get an umbrella policy the dates they stay. It’s easy to do and your covered if that’s your only issue.
Quote from @Anthony Papaneri:
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Hey,
I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?
I appreciate any advice
I can see your concern, honestly for the right price the balls in your court. I would personal go ahead with allowing them but then also get an umbrella policy the dates they stay. It’s easy to do and your covered if that’s your only issue.
What insurance company do you use if you don't mind me asking?
Do you have space for it? What about all the cars? How many people? Etc etc too many moving parts I think unless you nail it all down. Also, I recommend all STR owners have commercial liability just in general all the time on each individual property. Happy to refer you to my agent if you need it.
Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:
Do you have space for it? What about all the cars? How many people? Etc etc too many moving parts I think unless you nail it all down. Also, I recommend all STR owners have commercial liability just in general all the time on each individual property. Happy to refer you to my agent if you need it.
I believe I do have space for the cars in the front yard. They said it would be about 30 people which I guess would be mostly in the backyard. Would I be able to get commercial liability if I don't have a company yet?
Make sure you understand your umbrella policy. Most personal umbrella policies do not have coverage for business/commercial operations. You will most likely need commercial coverage as opposed to homeowners insurance and an umbrella policy although some may cover it and you can add a rider to some but just make sure you are covered
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Do you have the correct STR (not airbnb) insurance?
I get asked this all the time for our old farmhouse we fixed up near Shenandoah. I always say no. I don’t trust people to bring the number they say it will be at. It’s very likely always going to be more.
aI’m also on a septic, so if you are as well, that’s a concern. I can’t have “at most 30 people” using my septic system over a few hours. Lots of other reasons too. But if you really need bookings and they’re good with a substantial up charge and you know your insurance plan well enough to be good with it, then go for it!
Quote from @Leora Merrell:
I get asked this all the time for our old farmhouse we fixed up near Shenandoah. I always say no. I don’t trust people to bring the number they say it will be at. It’s very likely always going to be more.
aI’m also on a septic, so if you are as well, that’s a concern. I can’t have “at most 30 people” using my septic system over a few hours. Lots of other reasons too. But if you really need bookings and they’re good with a substantial up charge and you know your insurance plan well enough to be good with it, then go for it!
I do have a septic and after doing some research it can handle at most 10 people so I just informed them they would need to bring mobile restrooms. now to see what they say...
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Do Not do it. Think and don't be greedy. They will bring way more people than they say. There will be music and drinking, lots of noise, parking issues, trash issues....this one event could cause you long term rancor with your neighbors. It will take a long time to recover from one bad event.
Are you so desperate that you need to take this?
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Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.
I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.
If you're not aware, Airbnb allows a maximum of 16 guests. And they do not allow parties, which a wedding reception is. If any of your neighbors report you, Airbnb will boot you off the platform. https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb...
#2 Insurance Contributor
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Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:
Do you have space for it? What about all the cars? How many people? Etc etc too many moving parts I think unless you nail it all down. Also, I recommend all STR owners have commercial liability just in general all the time on each individual property. Happy to refer you to my agent if you need it.
I believe I do have space for the cars in the front yard. They said it would be about 30 people which I guess would be mostly in the backyard. Would I be able to get commercial liability if I don't have a company yet?
Kevin, you could get a Special Events policy for the wedding. That is a Commercial policy that would have the ability to offer higher General Liability limits and Host Liquor Liability. This Special Events policy would be in addition to the standard STR policy you would already have in place. Cost would start around $250.
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Do Not do it. Think and don't be greedy. They will bring way more people than they say. There will be music and drinking, lots of noise, parking issues, trash issues....this one event could cause you long term rancor with your neighbors. It will take a long time to recover from one bad event.
Are you so desperate that you need to take this?
I wouldn't say desperate, just interested in the opportunity to make a few grand in one night. I do see what you're saying which is my concern as well. What's interesting that a Hindu wedding took place at another house on the lake. That is a 5 day celebration, and the neighbors were cool with it as they sent an email communicating beforehand.
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.
I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.
It's not in a neighborhood, I have about a 4 acre lot with lots of trees around
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Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.
I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.
It's not in a neighborhood, I have about a 4 acre lot with lots of trees around
That still might not be enough, depending on the noise, and how understanding your neighbors are. Guests will wander your property up to other's fence lines after a few drinks.
I just don't believe in short-term gain traded for long term stability. But let us know how it goes.
We had a wedding venue in one of out neighborhoods that was about 4 acres, and it was a disaster. The music and noise floats a long way at night when it's still out. Every neighbor within a mile was calling the Sheriffs. They ended up going out of business....
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.
I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.
It's not in a neighborhood, I have about a 4 acre lot with lots of trees around
That still might not be enough, depending on the noise, and how understanding your neighbors are. Guests will wander your property up to other's fence lines after a few drinks.
I just don't believe in short-term gain traded for long term stability. But let us know how it goes.
We had a wedding venue in one of out neighborhoods that was about 4 acres, and it was a disaster. The music and noise floats a long way at night when it's still out. Every neighbor within a mile was calling the Sheriffs. They ended up going out of business....
That is a good point. It's right up against a lake and sound travels very well across water. even if most neighbors are understanding, all it takes it one neighbor to call the cops and issues will arise. Maybe it will be a better option if it was a wedding during the day?
Anyways you're right about not sacrificing stability and I appreciate you bringing up the worst case scenario
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Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Michael Baum:
Hey @Kevin Marin, is your property in a neighborhood? I could see a wedding with portable toilets pissing off pretty much everyone within a few blocks.
I think you should pass on this no matter what. Just like @Bruce Woodruff said.
It's not in a neighborhood, I have about a 4 acre lot with lots of trees around
That still might not be enough, depending on the noise, and how understanding your neighbors are. Guests will wander your property up to other's fence lines after a few drinks.
I just don't believe in short-term gain traded for long term stability. But let us know how it goes.
We had a wedding venue in one of out neighborhoods that was about 4 acres, and it was a disaster. The music and noise floats a long way at night when it's still out. Every neighbor within a mile was calling the Sheriffs. They ended up going out of business....
That is a good point. It's right up against a lake and sound travels very well across water. even if most neighbors are understanding, all it takes it one neighbor to call the cops and issues will arise. Maybe it will be a better option if it was a wedding during the day?
Anyways you're right about not sacrificing stability and I appreciate you bringing up the worst case scenario
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Quote from @Bruce Woodruff:
Can verify. I hunt ducks on lakes. You can hear people talking in a normal conversational voice up to half a mile away.
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Hey,
I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?
I appreciate any advice
Dj, setup and breakdown/clean up, food, guest leaving trash in random places, POOP ON WALLS (still trying to figure out how that happened) etc.
When it is left up to the guest to manage it all that increases the chance of something happening.
Most events/weddings have less people show up than planned for “IF” 30 people really is the accurate head count.
Besides for a reception that small they should be able to find an actual venue for $1000 to $3000.
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Leslie Anne Morris:
Do you have space for it? What about all the cars? How many people? Etc etc too many moving parts I think unless you nail it all down. Also, I recommend all STR owners have commercial liability just in general all the time on each individual property. Happy to refer you to my agent if you need it.
I believe I do have space for the cars in the front yard. They said it would be about 30 people which I guess would be mostly in the backyard. Would I be able to get commercial liability if I don't have a company yet?
Yes, before I created my LLC they would underwrite in my personal name. Totally doable.
Quote from @Demetrius Harrell:
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Hey,
I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?
I appreciate any advice
Dj, setup and breakdown/clean up, food, guest leaving trash in random places, POOP ON WALLS (still trying to figure out how that happened) etc.
When it is left up to the guest to manage it all that increases the chance of something happening.
Most events/weddings have less people show up than planned for “IF” 30 people really is the accurate head count.
Besides for a reception that small they should be able to find an actual venue for $1000 to $3000.
Well I can honestly say did not factor the poop situation into my concerns hahaha. We discussed their plan B for a reception and they said they would just have it at a restaurant. So maybe I could just offer to host the actual ceremony only. What do you think would be a fair charge for this? and if i did the reception, would a fair charge be $2000 plus airbnb stay?
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Quote from @Demetrius Harrell:
Quote from @Kevin Marin:
Hey,
I have recently listed an airbnb in September and I got an inquiry for a few dates. They asked me if I would consider allowing them to have their wedding ceremony at the property with the reception after. I'm considering it to be honest but I'm worried something could go wrong as in someone gets hurt. What would I need to do to make this a smooth opportunity?
I appreciate any advice
Dj, setup and breakdown/clean up, food, guest leaving trash in random places, POOP ON WALLS (still trying to figure out how that happened) etc.
When it is left up to the guest to manage it all that increases the chance of something happening.
Most events/weddings have less people show up than planned for “IF” 30 people really is the accurate head count.
Besides for a reception that small they should be able to find an actual venue for $1000 to $3000.
Well I can honestly say did not factor the poop situation into my concerns hahaha. We discussed their plan B for a reception and they said they would just have it at a restaurant. So maybe I could just offer to host the actual ceremony only. What do you think would be a fair charge for this? and if i did the reception, would a fair charge be $2000 plus airbnb stay?
If you did the reception, $1750 would be a fair price, not including the Airbnb stay taking into consideration the additional insurance you may need to protect yourself as others have mentioned and you are not providing any of the decorations or labor but I am sure your cleaners would have to be extra thorough in getting the property ready for your next guest.
if it is truly a small gathering for the ceremony I know tons of people that do that in their parents backyard with no issues.
Most people are in support of marriage and so they tend to look the other way or be happy about seeing and hearing a wedding reception. At least when it is not a regular occurrence.
I would still recommend purchasing an event policy. Almost all insurance companies have the capacity to write a policy like that. call one of the local agents near the property. I would look for an independent agent as they will have more options.
