EP166: This Week in the World of Airbnb - a podcast by Jasper Ribbers

Airbnb is tooting its own horn this week with the release of a report boasting the positive economic impacts of the platform in the US. The press release aligns with the company’s strategy to work with municipalities as they implement regulations on short-term rentals.

Hostfully Director of Marketing, Glenn Carter, joins Jasper this week to review the economic benefits outlined in the report as well as other upgrades to the platform in the news this week, including a pilot program that allows guests to split payments and a premium tier program designed to appeal to the luxury rental market.

They also discuss another startup in the space that is expanding its services as Pillow raises funds to launch a building management platform, and the story of a property owner in Barcelona who was forced to squat in her own flat! Finally, Jasper and Glenn answer your questions about cancelling bookings due to a family emergency. Don’t forget to email your questions to jasper@getpaidforyourpad.com!

Topics Covered

Article #1: With $13.5M in New Funds, Pillow Partners with Building Owners to Make Rentals Airbnb-Friendly
•Funding to launch Pillow Residential
•Platform gives building owners more transparency, allows to share in money generated
•Ensures owners, renters comply with local regulations
•Building owners know which units being rented and by whom (safety)

Article #2: Airbnb Readies a Premium Tier to Compete More with Hotels, Sources Say
•Launch new service in luxury rental market
•Select hosts in pilot program
•Airbnb inspectors verify quality standards
•Hosts receive consultation with interior decorator, professional photography for listing

Article #3: Airbnb is Testing a Feature That Would Let You Split the Cost with Friends
•Allows guests to split cost among multiple people
•Makes booking easier, more accessible
•Part of larger game to simplify, streamline experience

Article #4: Woman Forced to Squat in Her Own Barcelona Flat After ‘Fake Tenant’ Lists Property on Airbnb
•Long-term tenant listed apartment on Airbnb
•Owner booked property to reoccupy flat, change lock
•Reported ‘fake tenant’ to Barcelona council
•Faces fines between €60,000 and €600,000

Article #5: Airbnb Steps Up Lobbying Pitch to Mayors with New Economic Boast
•Airbnb report re: economic impact
•Claims $14B in economic output last year
•Facilitated 130,000 jobs in US, predicts half a million by 2020
•Opponents label report as biased, but economic benefits obvious
•Part of ‘play nice’ strategy to appease municipalities

Q: I have a booking, but a family emergency has arisen. What do I do?
•Negative consequences usually associated with cancellation (penalties, ineligible for Superhost status, note on reviews)
•Extenuating Circumstances Policy allows for cancellation without consequence in situations out of host’s control (i.e.: unexpected death or serious illness, natural disaster, severe property damage, etc.)
•Contact Airbnb to explain, be open and honest with platform and guest

Resources Mentioned
Article #1: techcrunch.com/2017/06/21/pillow-residential-13-5-million
Article #2: bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-21/airbnb-said-to-ready-a-premium-tier-to-compete-more-with-hotels
Article #3: skift.com/2017/06/14/airbnb-ramps-up-push-to-get-more-hosts-to-choose-instant-booking
Article #4: telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/06/24/woman-forced-become-squatter-barcelona-home-fraudster-lists
Article #5: sandiegouniontribune.com/business/tourism/sd-fi-airbnb-mayors-20170623-story.html
Airbnb Extenuating Circum: stances Policy

Connect with Jasper
Email: jasper@getpaidforyourpad.

---

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Further episodes of Get Paid For Your Pad | Airbnb Hosting | Vacation Rentals | Apartment Sharing

Further podcasts by Jasper Ribbers

Website of Jasper Ribbers