EP161: Lessons Learned From 7 Years of Airbnb Hosting in Taipei

If you are looking to rent a property with the intention of being an Airbnb host, the question then becomes, how do you convince a landlord to allow for short-term rentals in your contract? Today’s guest is a veteran Airbnb host who is ready to share his strategy for securing negotiating power with property-owners, as well as other lessons he’s learned in his lengthy Airbnb hosting career.Roger Lee moved to Taipei in 2010 to assist with a property renovation project, converting a family home into studio apartments for rental. His ability to speak English gave him leverage as a property manager, securing short-term rentals through sites like Craigslist. With that experience under his belt, Roger set out on his own, renting properties that were candidates for renovation from willing landlords for short-term rental on Airbnb. He has worked his way up to nine listings, including his hip Taipei bachelor pad.Today Roger takes us on his journey to successful property management, sharing his advice for aspiring hosts, the lessons he’s learned after seven years of experience in the market, and his point of view regarding Airbnb’s place in the travel industry. Listen and learn how to convince property-owners to allow for short-term rentals – and how Roger uses this podcast as a sleep aid!Topics CoveredHow Roger got his start in property management•Moved to Taipei in 2010•Residential properties with multiple bedrooms being converted into studio apartments•Helped friend with project, both renovation and rental•Found short-term tenants on Craigslist and local sitesHow Roger established negotiating power with landlords to allow for short-term rentals•Selected run-down properties in need of investment•Offered to renovate with stipulation that Airbnb would be allowedRoger’s advice for aspiring property managers looking to rent units for Airbnb•Provide an upside for the landlord (e.g.: renovations)•Understand the landlord’s relationship with neighbors•Mitigate complications/controversy (older landlords don’t want any trouble)Roger’s greatest hosting challenge•Airbnb’s introduction of Smart Pricing altered market•Happened in conjunction with Chinese policy significantly reducing tourism to TaipeiThe most significant lesson Roger has learned from Airbnb hosting•Take the high road with unpleasant guests (even if it isn’t fair)Roger’s take on the value of Airbnb•Best thing to happen to travel in his lifetime•Ambitious and impressive to create culture of communityConnect with RogerHost Profile on AirbnbOFC Taipei HousingConnect with JasperEmail: [email protected]: @GetPaidForUrPadInstagram: @GetPaidForYourPad Facebook: www.facebook.com/getpaidforyourpadThis episode is sponsored by Hostfully.com where you can create a custom digital guidebook for your guests! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.