All Forum Posts by: Patricia Andriolo-Bull

 I use OwnerRez and use the insurance add on.  I have it under surcharge which is passed onto the guest although Airbnb includes it in the nightly rate rather than as a separate charge.  I use the category of Management and the description is Damage Protection.

On a separate note, regarding my other comment, I reread what Airbnb sent.  So in the case of parking, which is charged onsite by another entity, it sounds like they want us to add it as a fee through airbnb resolution center after the fact?  Seriously?  We also have very serious fines for turtle season infractions ($750 per night).  I have notices in my property stating that if they neglect to turn off exterior lights during turtle season, I pass those fines on to guests.  I imagine others due this also with noise ordinances or other infractions, no?

 I'm dealing with this now also.  I'm trying to get our association to charge me and I just include it in my rates but it's been a no go so far.

I'm not really looking at extraordinary as I wouldn't want to absorb the risk that comes with that. I like good investments that are stable and factor in growth over time. My properties have had consistent occupancy but continue to have growth in ADR and in property appreciation. I cash flow and have a solid ROI especially as my stock portfolio is taking a bit of a beating right now. I look at it as a means of diversification and income.

 I see this all the time.  I live in the middle of short term renters who consistently leave sliding doors open along with the AC.  

On a separate note, I have to wonder if something else is going on here.  My properties are in SWFL.  I do request not to set the thermostat below 69 (which I find more than reasonable) after having an AC freeze up on me.  My AC guys recommended 71.  I think most guests are reasonable so I wonder, is this host constantly going in and changing the temperature on them, getting angry with them or setting unrealistic upper and lower limits?  

I use OwnerRez but I have linked it to everything that makes sense for my Florida property (VRBO, Airbnb, Florida Rentals, Houfy, Booking, GVR and my own website).  Make no sense not to.  I get very few from a few of those channels but easy enough to accept.

Wow, crazy.  I would try to speak with him again.  Assume arborvitaes would do well there?

One other thought, while I like simplified pricing, it disturbs me to think that the airbnb fee is not visible to guests.  There is a cost to use their service and guests should see it.  

I worry that guests wouldn’t understand and would see my nightly rate as higher than my competitors. 

Personally, I would not allow this. It's called arbitrage and the risks to you outweigh any gain. Further, if you want to STR do it yourself or higher a property manager. I'd expect that you would still make more with a property manager than renting it out LT and getting a cut from the company renting from you.