🍎 Chaos at Airbnb New York

GM. This is Hosts Toast, the newsletter that burns you a brand-new CD mix with the best hits from Property and Hosting every day.

Here’s what's on today’s mix:

Airbnb hosts will always find away around legislation, we look at how they are doing it in New York. Also we have a tip to help get more direct bookings and our weekly look at what we should be doing now to grow and strengthen our business...

📰 Interesting News from the Property World

New York’s Airbnb Ban Is Descending Into Pure Chaos

• New York City's crackdown on short-term rentals has dramatically reduced the number of listings on Airbnb, from 22,434 in August to just 3,227 by October 1.

• However, people are finding ways around the new law by advertising short-term rentals on social media and lesser known platforms, or by listing their properties as exempt from the registration rules.

• The crackdown has also created a "black market" for short-term rentals in the city, with people using sites like Craigslist, Facebook, and Houfy to book stays.

• Airbnb is shifting its attention away from New York City, which was once its biggest market, and is exploring longer rentals, as well as car rentals and dining pop-ups.

💡 Tips and Advice/Things not to do

Insure Your Peace: The Must-Have Guide for Every Holiday Let Host!

As a holiday let host, securing your own insurance is crucial to protect your property against potential damages or thefts by guests. Standard home insurance often doesn't cover short-term rentals, leaving gaps in coverage. Additionally, having specific insurance provides peace of mind, ensuring you're financially safeguarded against unforeseen incidents during guest stays.

📈 The Data behind the Strategy

We have access to all the numbers from how Airbnb houses are doing in the UK over the past 12 months (other countries coming soon)…. and all the house for sale or to rent at the same time … this tells us which are the best value properties to buy or rent right now?

From Monday, we will start looking at this data and sharing all the amazing insights we find!

🛠This Week’s House-Keeping

Lets look at what you should be doing this week to prepare your Holiday Let for November & December:

Seasonal Decor: Consider adding some tasteful seasonal decor to make your holiday let feel cozy and festive. Think autumn leaves, pumpkins, and warm-toned throw pillows for November, and twinkling lights, wreaths, and snowy motifs for December.

 Heating System Check: Ensure your heating system is working efficiently. Nobody wants a chilly holiday! Get it serviced if necessary and provide extra blankets and space heaters.

 Holiday Amenities: Stock up on amenities that guests might appreciate during the holiday season – hot cocoa, tea selections, a coffee maker, and perhaps some festive treats.

By taking these steps in October, you can ensure that your holiday let is not only ready for the next two months but also stands out as a top choice for potential guests! More tips next Wednesday, cant wait? ……