Times are tough for a lot of us at the moment and many people are looking for ways to earn a little cash. In this article, we’re talking about how you can make money from your spare room (if you’re lucky enough to have one) this summer.
A new kind of stay
Founded in San Francisco in 2007, AirBnB has quickly become a global phenomenon with five million hosts worldwide. How it works is pretty simple; you rent out your spare room to holidaymakers who are looking for a more informal and affordable alternative to a hotel.
A home away from home in Harrow
While our borough may not immediately stand out as a holiday destination, it has the benefit of a close proximity to Central London with easy access by tube. This makes it ideal for tourists who can’t afford the eye-watering prices for accommodation in the West End.
Harrow already had a few properties listed on AirBnB with a number of options including a simple room with shared bathroom and communal areas for just £34 a night to a self-contained studio flat for £57 per night.
Hosting in Harrow
If you fancy getting yourself a slice of the AirBnB action there are a few things to know and these are:
- There is usually a 90 day per year limit for renting rooms in a residential property.
- You will need to check with Harrow Council to make sure that you have permission to rent out your room (the authority may also be able to give you permission to extend the 90 day rule).
- The property must be clean and hygienic.
- The property must be safe and secure.
- You must adhere to local government occupancy limits.
If you still feel that renting your spare room is right for you, here’s how it’s done:
- Head on over to https://www.airbnb.co.uk/host/homes.
- Click onto the red AirBnB Setup button in the top right hand corner.
- Follow the instructions to fill in your details and list your home.
Converting rooms into readies
While it may not be for everyone, renting a room on AirBnB can be a good little earner to help you get through the cost of living crisis or save up for a holiday or special occasion. Just remember that it does involve having a stranger stay in your home so you may need to adjust your lifestyle accordingly.
Please ensure you have fully checked the following website for all details, terms and conditions before hand.
Nicci, born in Cumbria in 1971, moved to London at 17 to work for Mute Records. She has a diverse career spanning design, copywriting, and PR. Nicci is an author, freelance copywriter, and PR professional, with her own agency, Front Page Promotions. She covers historical stories for Harrow Online and has authored several books. She currently resides in Harrow, North West London
