Common Short-Term Rental Mistakes Hosts Make & How to Avoid Them
Although platforms like Airbnb and VRBO make owning and operating a vacation rental look easy, it’s important for property owners to set realistic expectations.
Hosting Isn’t as Easy as It Looks
Although platforms like Airbnb and VRBO make owning and operating a vacation rental look easy, it’s important for property owners to set realistic expectations. Running a successful short term rental business has many benefits, but it’s not for the faint of heart and many hosts get overwhelmed once reality of running a business kicks in. Behind every glowing review and fully booked calendar is a host who’s replacing furniture, cleaning toilets, and responding to high-maintenance guests. It’s easy to underestimate the time and energy required to run a profitable vacation rental property.
From not thinking it’ll be time consuming to not knowing how to deal with problematic guests, in this blog we’ll cover some common short term rental mistakes and how to avoid them.
Mistake #1 – Not Understanding Local STR Laws
This is a big one because non-compliance with local regulations can result in legal action and fines, both of which can eat into the rental income you’re earning from your vacation rental. Many hosts don’t check the zoning laws in their city before starting a vacation rental business and are later surprised to find out they’ve been operating illegally the entire time. Claremont, for example, has restrictions on how many vacation rental properties are allowed in each City Council zone.
How to avoid this mistake: Check with your local municipality any restrictions on short term rental properties. If you hire a property manager like Meehan Property Management, we’ll stay up-to-date with these regulations so your short term rental property will be set up for long-term success.
Mistake #2 – Pricing Without Research or Strategy
If you’re a first-time vacation rental owner, you’ll probably go with Airbnb or VRBO’s recommendation for pricing. But, if you do this, you’ll likely be losing money on your STR property. These hosting platforms don’t care about the costs involved in running a STR business and want to list your home for less than it’s worth so it’s booked more often and they continue getting their fee. There’s a balance between underpricing and leaving money on the table (while increasing wear and tear) and overpricing and suffering from low occupancy. You deserve your fair share.
How to avoid this mistake: To start, we recommend using a dynamic pricing tool. Airbnb has their own version of this called “Smart Pricing”, which adjusts your nightly price to be higher during periods of higher demand and lower during the off season. A professional property manager can also adjust the pricing of your listing to maximize business income.
Mistake #3 – Inconsistent or Low-Quality Cleaning
Guests expect hotel-level cleanliness in their vacation rentals, and there are numerous areas in your home that can be problematic. If you don’t believe us, just head to Airbnb Reddit boards and read through the things most guests complain about. One bad review can ruin future bookings, so make sure your home is meticulously cleaned and absolutely do not skip out on regular maintenance, even during periods of higher demand. From selecting furniture that can hold up to spills to finding reliable and consistent cleaning crews, this is one area you simply cannot overlook, especially if you want repeat bookings.
How to avoid this mistake: Create a cleaning checklist or find a cleaning crew you can trust. Our vendor network of cleaners and maintenance crews can help ensure these high standards are met.
Mistake #4 – Poor Communication with Guests
Delayed responses, unanswered questions, or unclear check-in instructions can quickly lead to frustrated guests and negative reviews. In the world of vacation rentals, communication isn’t just a bonus—it’s the baseline for a good guest’s stay. This is, after all, the hospitality industry. Guests expect hosts to be friendly, responsive, and easy to reach. If a guest feels ignored or confused at any point during their stay—especially during key moments like check-in or when they need help—they’re far more likely to leave a bad review (and never return to your property).
How to avoid this mistake: Be proactive and set clear expectations before a guest arrives. Send timely messages, provide thorough instructions, and check in periodically to make sure your guests have everything they need while staying in your vacation home. A little communication goes a long way toward making prospective guests feel welcome, cared for, and confident in their stay.
Mistake #5 – Subpar Photos and Listing Descriptions
Poor-quality photos and unclear, generic listing descriptions can seriously hurt the appeal of your vacation rental property. In such a visual and experience-driven market, your ideal guest should be able to scroll through your listing and immediately picture themselves relaxing, unwinding, and enjoying the space. If your photos are dim, cluttered, or don’t showcase the full layout of your property, potential renters will quickly move on to one that feels more inviting and well-presented. The same goes for your copy—avoid vague or overly broad language. Be specific, engaging, and informative. Highlight unique features, nearby attractions, and anything that sets your rental apart. When in doubt, more is more.
How to avoid this mistake: Hire a professional photographer and ask an experienced host to review your profile before you push it live. Even better, you can work with a team like Meehan Property Management to optimize your listings for both guest appeal and SEO.
Mistake #6 – Treating It Like Passive Income
Last but not least, your vacation rental business is and never will be passive income, even if you live in a popular tourist destination. It may have been 10+ years ago, but as the vacation rental industry has grown, so has competition in the vacation rental space. Short term rentals require active management, from reviews and guest communication to maintenance. Simply put, running a short term rental property is incredibly complex and, if not managed correctly, it can quickly burn you out.
How to avoid this mistake: If you aren’t prepared to dedicate time and effort to your vacation rental, you might want to consider connecting with a full-service co-hosting company. They can help you reduce stress and increase your rental income.
Let Meehan Property Management Help You Host Smarter
At Meehan Property Management, we specialize in helping vacation rental owners in San Dimas, Claremont, and across LA County run successful, stress-free vacation rentals. Our team stays on top of local laws and zoning regulations, so you don’t risk costly fines or legal headaches. We use data-driven pricing strategies to maximize your revenue, connect you with trusted cleaners and maintenance crews, and ensure your listing looks its best with professional photography and optimized descriptions.
Most importantly, we handle guest communication from start to finish—so your renters feel cared for and your reviews reflect it.
Whether you're just getting started or you're overwhelmed managing it all yourself, we're here to help.
Schedule a free consultation or property walkthrough today and see how we can set your vacation rental up for long-term success.
FAQ’s Bureau
Becoming a short term rental host is a great way to generate income, but the learning curve can be steep. Here are some common questions we receive from prospective vacation rental owners.
What’s the biggest mistake new Airbnb hosts make?
The biggest mistake new Airbnb hosts make is underestimating the time commitment and the level of effort required to manage a property effectively. Other mistakes include neglecting guest comfort, poor guest communication, and not having systems in place.
Can a co-host manage everything for me?
Yes, generally speaking a co-host can do anything a regular short term rental host can. Depending on the permissions provided, they can update your listing, communicate with guests, manage your calendar and reservations to avoid double bookings, view payouts, and handle dispute resolutions.
How can I improve my Airbnb listing?
To improve your Airbnb listing, focus on optimizing your listing description, using high-quality photos, offering competitive pricing, and providing excellent guest service to encourage positive reviews.