What are the different Airbnb Plus requirements and how does an investor or host become eligible for the program?
Table of Contents
- Airbnb Plus: What Is It?
- Airbnb vs Airbnb Plus: What Makes Them Different From Each Other?
- Airbnb Plus Requirements: 10 Things That You Need to Qualify
- How Much Are the Airbnb Plus Fees?
- Is Airbnb Plus Worth Investing In?
- Wrapping It Up
With travel restrictions lifted and people headed on business trips and vacations, Airbnb properties are becoming more and more lucrative investment ventures for business-minded individuals. And while there are plenty of great short-term rental platforms out there, Airbnb Plus is catching the attention of numerous investors and existing Airbnb hosts.
The question they all have in mind is this: is becoming an Airbnb Plus host worth all the time and effort?
In this blog, we will talk about the different requirements to be Airbnb Plus hosts and if it is worth getting into as an Airbnb business.
Airbnb Plus: What Is It?
Before we get started, we need to first know what Airbnb Plus is. A lot of people are already familiar with the concept of vacation rentals, but what makes Airbnb Plus so different from the others?
Launched in 2018, Airbnb Plus is a unique collection of the best vacation rental properties with hosts known to have outstanding reviews for their service and attention to detail. It serves as a status symbol of some sort in the world of short-term rental properties. Airbnb imposes stricter Airbnb Plus host requirements in determining candidates worthy of being included in its exclusive club of super-elite hosts.
Generally, Airbnb Plus properties are curated based on design, aesthetics, maintenance, and most importantly, exceptional feedback on the hosts. In short, the program highlights the platform’s creme de la creme. It is perfect for travelers looking for Airbnb Plus family friendly requirements comparable to hotel-quality design and hospitality.
However, it should be noted that just because an Airbnb Plus property is considered one of the platform’s best doesn’t always mean that it’s also expensive. While Airbnb hosts and investors who qualify for the program have the option to raise their prices, there are a lot of affordable Airbnb Plus listings on the market.
Although they may be priced a bit higher than a regular listing on Airbnb, not all of them are expensive. It also means that services for Airbnb Plus properties aren’t necessarily luxury or premium services. It is best to manage your expectations when booking an Airbnb Plus home.
Related: What Is Airbnb Plus? A Short-Term Rental Investor’s Guide
Airbnb vs Airbnb Plus: What Makes Them Different From Each Other?
If you’re already an Airbnb host, you’ve probably already heard about Airbnb Plus. The short version: it’s still Airbnb with a lot more benefits for both Airbnb hosts and guests.
Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two.
Airbnb
For the benefit of those who are still not familiar with what Airbnb is, it is a home-sharing platform that allows homeowners and rental property investors to rent out part or all of their property to short-term renters. The idea is to provide a more affordable and unique alternative to more expensive hotels and resorts. It can be a spare bedroom, an attic, a basement, an entire single-family home, a multi-family property, a townhouse complex, a condo unit, or other similar properties.
Since it was launched in 2008, the platform has grown not just in popularity but in value as well. With over 5.6 million listings worldwide to date, Airbnb is currently valued at over $113 billion. Because of its popularity and profitability, real estate investors from all over the country are rushing in search of income properties for sale to start a rental property business.
At the height of the pandemic, the company kept its head above water by quickly adapting and pivoting to what was needed at the time. In doing so, Airbnb was able to keep its doors open and allow short-term rental property owners and Airbnb hosts to recover their lost momentum. Despite going through one of its worst performances in recent years, it quickly bounced back in 2021, especially with the lifting of travel restrictions worldwide.
Today, Airbnb remains one of the top vacation rental platforms in the world. As long as the company continues to innovate and adapt to the changing times, the vacation rental platform will keep making waves in the real estate industry.
Related: How to Get an Airbnb Investment Property in 2022
Airbnb Plus
Now that we know what Airbnb is all about, let’s talk about its elite program called Airbnb Plus.
As already mentioned earlier, Airbnb Plus is a collection of the best rental properties on the platform. The properties are managed by hosts with excellent guest reviews and are particular about every aspect of the rental experience.
The main difference between Airbnb and Airbnb Plus is the latter is inspected and verified by an Airbnb representative and held to higher standards.
Plus homes are listed on the platform for six continents but aren’t as widespread as regular rental properties. They are usually found in major cities like Los Angeles and New York, as well as in tropical countries like the Dominican Republic.
While the program is still stretching out its tent, a lot of major cities still don’t offer Plus properties. For instance, even if Airbnb Plus is listed in South America, the only cities that actually offer them are Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo in Brazil.
Just to set the record straight, getting a Plus Airbnb verification does not mean it is always better than non-Plus homes. Keep in mind that the Airbnb Plus availability is still quite limited; thus, inventory is just a small portion of the properties listed on the platform. However, it can increase traveler confidence if they see a listing that’s been verified in person. It gives them the assurance that what they see in the photos is what they can actually expect in real life.
It’s also worth noting that Airbnb Plus is not Airbnb Luxe. They are two different programs and offer distinctly different services.
Airbnb Plus Requirements: 10 Things That You Need to Qualify
Now let’s talk about Airbnb Plus listing requirements. If one were to take a look at Airbnb’s website for what Airbnb Plus is, one will learn that the property needs to be thoughtfully designed, well-equipped, and well-maintained. And while they are also standards by which regular Airbnb listings are held, the platform’s Plus program requires a bit more from a host.
Watch our video below to figure out if you are eligible for Airbnb Plus:
On top of the usual Airbnb requirements, hosts who are aiming for Airbnb Plus status need to meet the following criteria:
1. Host Rating
One of the main things Airbnb will look for is host rating. Hosts should have maintained an average rating of 4.8 to 5 over the past year to qualify for Airbnb Plus. Hosts must maintain fast and clear communication with guests and prospective guests. While Airbnb automation is typical in the platform, it is recommended that hosts make their communication more personal.
In addition, hosts must have accepted at least 95% of booking requests and have not canceled any reservations within the past year.
Just to clarify, while Superhosts get an overall rating of 4.8, not all of them automatically qualify for a Plus verification.
2. Location
An Airbnb Plus property should be located in a premium region or a designated city. The property must either be an entire property or, at the very least, a private bedroom with its own bathroom.
3. Check-In
Guests today prefer faster check-in procedures that require very minimal face-to-face interaction so streamlining the check-in process will help greatly. For check-ins, hosts vying for Plus eligibility must give guests access to 24/7 check-in. It can be via a host within the vicinity, a keypad, a doorperson, or a smart lock.
Hosts should also provide a printed manual containing the following:
- Check-in process
- House rules
- Host’s contact details
- Emergency procedures
- Wi-Fi credentials
- Check-out procedures
4. Security, Privacy, and Safety
Airbnb Plus also maintains higher standards when it comes to a guest’s security, privacy, and safety. That being said, a property must have:
- A strong and secure lock to the property
- Strong locks on all bedroom doors
- Bathroom and washroom privacy with frosted glass and blinds
- Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
5. Bedrooms
The bedrooms in Airbnb Plus properties must be comfortable, useful, and clean. It covers the following:
- Comfortable and proper bed frame and mattress that shouldn’t sag or squeak
- Bedsheets, cover, duvet, pillowcases, and comforters should be provided and just the right size for the bed
- Minimum of two pillows per person
- Must have a shelf, drawer, and rack
- Hanging space for clothes and at least four non-wire hangers
6. Bathrooms
Airbnb Plus takes bathrooms into great consideration when verifying properties. That being said, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Guests must have one private bathroom or washroom exclusively for them.
- Bathrooms must have a tub or shower and one proper sink.
- Hot and cold water must be available, as well as strong water pressure.
- A large mirror should be installed.
- Towels, toilet paper, and toiletries should be provided.
7. Kitchen
For properties that have a full kitchen, they need to meet the following requirements before they can be verified for Airbnb Plus:
- A full-sized fridge
- A stovetop with at least two burners
- Two pots and two pans
- Basic food prep items like knives, chopping board, spatula, utensils, bottle opener, and corkscrew
- A full dining set (at least four each) of plates, bowls, cutleries, mugs, and glasses
- Cleaning supplies
- A garbage bin with trash bags
Kitchenettes, on the other hand, must have at least a stovetop with one burner, a microwave oven, and a mini-fridge.
8. Design
One of the things that make Airbnb Plus properties exceptional is their thoughtful design. Any host who wants to be a part of the program must adhere to the following:
- Inviting, cohesive, and individual style
- Must have a distinct character with pieces that draw conversation and inspiration
- Well-thought layout with lots of open spaces and are not dark and cramped
- High-quality furniture, appliances, and decor
9. Equipment
On top of the design, Airbnb Plus homes are also evaluated for the quality of tools, equipment, and utilities. Each Airbnb Plus home should have:
- A strong Wi-Fi connection of no less than 5mbps
- An HVAC system in great condition
- An iron and an ironing board
- TV or projector that has access to streaming content or cable
10. Maintenance
Maintenance is one of the most critical aspects of owning a thriving rental property business. For this reason, Airbnb Plus imposes higher standards when it comes to maintenance, such as the following:
- The entire property (walls, windows, ceilings, floors), as well as furniture and other accessories, should be spotless.
- Appliances must be in good working condition, with wires and workings hidden or secured.
- All furniture and furnishings must be of good quality, installed properly, and undamaged.
- Exteriors must be well maintained, including walls, windows, and landscaping.
Airbnb Plus hosts are subject to stricter requirements when it comes to maintaining their rental property.
How Much Are the Airbnb Plus Fees?
Getting your property listed on a vacation rental platform makes it subject to certain fees and charges. That said, Airbnb Plus also comes with its own set of fees.
There is a one-time application fee of $149. This non-refundable fee will be charged by Airbnb once the host schedules a visit from a third-party inspector. The fee is intended to offset any expenses incurred for the home visit and evaluation. Airbnb can either deduct the fee from the host’s future income or ask for payment upfront.
If you’re thinking about how much it will cost to upgrade your property to bring it to Airbnb Plus standards, there’s good news for you. Airbnb has designed an Airbnb Plus Advance incentive program that helps hosts cover the costs of the necessary home improvements. The amount varies and may not be enough to cover all the expenses related to the home updates. However, it is substantial enough to help hosts and investors move forward.
Because it is an incentive program and not a reimbursement feature, Airbnb does not require hosts to show receipts. The company trusts that you will spend the money wisely to make your business better. All it requires is you agree to finish the home improvements within a certain time frame. They won’t even ask for the change. If you spend well beyond the budget allocated and manage to meet the standards, you may keep whatever amount is left for yourself.
Is Airbnb Plus Worth Investing In?
Given the requirements of Airbnb Plus, investors and hosts are probably wondering if it’s worth spending money and time on. The answer will depend on the investor or host’s goals.
While it only costs a one-time fee of $149, making the necessary home improvements will cost a lot, depending on the property’s current status. While Airbnb maintains an incentive program for Airbnb Plus applicants, there is no guarantee that the amount they give will cover all the required improvements. It will be up to you how you work and manage the budget. If the costs for the required changes go beyond the given budget, you will still need to take money from your own pocket.
For those who are already performing exceptionally well as a host, it may just require doing a few extra things. On the other hand, for those who want to be a part of the program but are still a long way from becoming a superhost, it may take a little more time and effort (and cash) to be eligible for the program.
Becoming a part of the exclusive program offers several benefits, of course, but it also comes with a cost. It takes greater attention to detail, providing outstanding hosting services, and being meticulous about property maintenance and management.
It’s just a matter of preference and priorities. If you see that joining the Airbnb Plus elite club will bring in more business and generate a more stable source of income, then yes, it is worth the money and effort. If a host is already satisfied with their current income, they may not see it as an endeavor worth pursuing.
However, for those who do not yet own any Airbnb properties, you may want to give it some serious thought. To see how the required fees can impact your bottom line and future profitability, use Mashvisor’s Airbnb calculator.
Related: How to Find Airbnb for Sale: The Complete Guide
Investing in Airbnb Properties
Today, although still not at its pre-pandemic operational capacity, Airbnb’s become one of the more stable real estate investments amid the ongoing global health crisis. It is not just an exaggerated summarization of the industry as a whole. Mashvisor, a real estate website that specializes in helping investors find the ideal traditional and Airbnb properties, can back it up with comprehensive and accurate data.
Let’s take a quick comparative look at a few random locations. According to Mashvisor’s Airbnb data, the Airbnb rental income, cash on cash return, and cap rate of the following cities went up from January 2022 to May 2022:
Nashville, TN
- March 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $4,287
- March 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.57%
- March 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 3.63%
- May 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $4,431
- May 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.72%
- May 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 3.78%
Fort Worth, TX
- March 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $3,115
- March 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.84%
- March 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 3.94%
- May 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $3,282
- May 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.87%
- May 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 3.97%
Washington, DC
- March 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $2,888
- March 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.30%
- March 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 1.32%
- May 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $3,198
- May 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.95%
- May 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 1.99%
Orlando, FL
- March 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $2,524
- March 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 2.40%
- March 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 2.47%
- May 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $2,912
- May 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 3.41%
- May 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 3.51%
Charlotte, NC
- March 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $2,390
- March 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.69%
- March 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 1.73%
- May 2022 Monthly Airbnb Rental Income: $2,456
- May 2022 Airbnb Cash on Cash Return: 1.84%
- May 2022 Airbnb Cap Rate: 1.88%
Based on Mashvisor’s data for the abovementioned locations, we can clearly see that all of them grew in terms of monthly rental income, cash on cash return, and cap rate within three months only. While not all markets demonstrate the same performance (depending on location and external factors), generally, vacation rental properties are sound investments that should be seriously considered.
If you want to learn more about how Mashvisor can help you in searching for profitable investment properties, schedule a demo now.
Wrapping It Up
Despite the tight and strict standards for Airbnb Plus requirements, real estate investors and hosts can still benefit from upgrading their Airbnb status. Of course, its success will depend largely on the rental property’s location; that’s why it’s important to perform due diligence. It includes extensive research and Airbnb analysis to determine how profitable the neighborhood is.
Mashvisor subscribers enjoy an advantage as they can access a wide range of real estate markets with a regularly updated database. In addition, users can use various investment tools that allow them to find the right income properties for sale and make highly accurate profit projections.
To get access to Mashvisor’s real estate investment tools, sign up for a 7-day free trial, followed by 15% off for life.