Giving AirBNB a Try

Folks in our neighborhoods are giving AirBNB a try. Denver recently updated its laws, requiring that you be a resident of the U.S., the property is your Primary Residence, you have written permission from your Landlord or property owner, and you are able to verify that your rental is insured.

If you qualify, it’s worth considering the benefits. Padding the pocketbook is an obvious benefit, but simply being connected to other people is the real payoff. As I consider home hosting, I’ve tapped into the experience of Julie Robinson of Boho Hospitality who teaches a class at Colorado Free University.

Travel: Because an AirBNB income isn’t directly tied to an hourly wage, not only does the money coming in from hosting easily fund global excursions, but hosts also have time and new friends to visit when they travel.

Home Improvements: Like any business; it takes money to make money. The income jolt makes that fresh coat of paint and tidy yard possible and necessary.

Filling Voids: Whether the void in their life comes from a kid going off to college, retirement, divorce or death–hosts benefit when paying guests fill empty rooms. Changing a spare room into a money making enterprise helps pay the bills. Chatting with guests over a cup of coffee helps fill other, more emotional voids.

Financial Boost: This industry sprang up to help homeowners keep their homes instead of going into foreclosure. Hosts today can repair that credit score and reap tax benefits from making a slice of their property their business. Running an AirBNB can a viable stay at home job.

Home hosting brings people together under a roof in a safe, welcoming environment. Cultures blend. People chat. There are many positive side effects, including less isolation and loneliness and even a decrease in property crime.

— Helen Hand, Stapleton resident