Lesson: Reasonable Property Condition and Maintenance

Guests use small cues, such as a loose handle or stained grout, as shortcuts for how well the whole property is cared for. Because most strong listings sit close to five stars, even minor flaws can pull a rating down.

Airbnb requires an overall rating of at least 4.8, along with other criteria such as response rate, low cancellations and a minimum number of stays, assessed every quarter.

Set aside a regular amount from booking income every month rather than waiting for things to break. The right figure depends on the property's age, size and features, so review it against your actual repair costs.