The Host HQ

Airbnb is fast expanding in Chicago’s South and West sides, but not all benefit equally

Elaine RamirezJune 18, 2019June 21, 2019

Hosts and residents say neighborhoods with Airbnb listings are seeing an impact. But safety and gentrification fears linger. Zafar Mawani, a property manager in the South and West sides, spent $50,000 and over a year renovating his four-bedroom East Garfield … Continue ReadingAirbnb is fast expanding in Chicago’s South and West sides, but not all benefit equally

This Chicago host started in his parents’ Chinatown basement. Up next: a treehouse?

Tyler SonnemakerJune 17, 2019June 18, 2019

Some people move in with their parents to save money. This Airbnb host moved in to make it. At a recent meeting of Airbnb hosts affiliated with Keep Chicago Livable, a nonprofit that advocates for more favorable home-sharing policies in … Continue ReadingThis Chicago host started in his parents’ Chinatown basement. Up next: a treehouse?

How to optimize your listings for summer in Chicago

Zach DavissonJune 17, 2019June 18, 2019

From heat lamps to espresso machines, AllTheRooms gives vacation rental hosting tips to top the competition during the Windy City’s peak travel season. Chicago was the second most-visited city in the U.S. in 2018, welcoming nearly 55 million visitors. Thanks … Continue ReadingHow to optimize your listings for summer in Chicago

Here’s every building in Chicago that bans Airbnb listings

Jessica QiaoJune 12, 2019June 12, 2019

Knowing where prohibited buildings are can prevent costly investment mistakes. When Chicago hosts consider buying properties to list on Airbnb, location is key. Under the Shared Housing Ordinance enacted in 2016, the city has excluded at least 2,024 buildings from … Continue ReadingHere’s every building in Chicago that bans Airbnb listings

Small investment, big returns: Hosts’ favorite welcome baskets to set the tone

Cyan ZhongJune 12, 2019June 14, 2019

Airbnb hosts use low-cost welcome gifts to boost positive reviews and long-lasting connections. In the hospitality business, a little goes a long way. Many Airbnb hosts have found that by putting a small amount toward preparing small welcome baskets for … Continue ReadingSmall investment, big returns: Hosts’ favorite welcome baskets to set the tone

How to be smarter about tax planning in 2019

Tyler SonnemakerJune 3, 2019June 4, 2019

From bookkeeping software to write-offs, Shared Economy Tax’s Sean Farrell offers advice for Airbnb hosts. Taxes are complicated, no less for short-term rental hosting. Airbnb began collecting taxes on behalf of Chicago hosts in 2015 to streamline part of the … Continue ReadingHow to be smarter about tax planning in 2019

Chicago hosts now pay more than 23% in taxes

Tyler SonnemakerMay 31, 2019June 3, 2019

The city has added two surcharges for hosts since 2016. Here’s a breakdown of what Chicago hosts pay in state and local taxes. Since Airbnb first landed in Chicago in 2011, it has grown from a disruptive, unregulated startup to … Continue ReadingChicago hosts now pay more than 23% in taxes

Should you cash in on Lollapalooza?

Jessica QiaoMay 31, 2019May 31, 2019

Ariana Grande, Lollapalooza, Chicago Marathon: Host at your own risk during these Chicago events this summer. Chicago is preparing to welcome dozens of hip-hop, techno and rock performers to this year’s Lollapalooza, which kicks off Aug. 1 in Grant Park. … Continue ReadingShould you cash in on Lollapalooza?

How hosts can seize the business travel segment

Cyan ZhongMay 30, 2019May 31, 2019

New study suggests 90% of Airbnb sales come from leisure travelers. Is Business Travel Ready the next frontier for hosting, or a bust? Hotels’ stronghold over peak-season prices has been shattered by the rise of Airbnb and its burgeoning accommodations … Continue ReadingHow hosts can seize the business travel segment

How hosting fuels an entrepreneurial drive

Tyler SonnemakerMay 29, 2019May 31, 2019

The sharing economy paves new ways to try new business ideas, says host Cynthia Rogan. If there’s a common quality among Airbnb hosts, it’s an entrepreneurial drive. For Cynthia Rogan, short-term rental hosting not only pays the bills, but also … Continue ReadingHow hosting fuels an entrepreneurial drive