Getting Started with Airbnb: The Complete Guide for New Hosts

Do you have an apartment that could make money instead of just sitting idle? Airbnb and similar platforms offer the opportunity to turn an unused property into a source of income. But before you get started, it's good to know what awaits you.

In this guide, I'll show you everything from registration to the first guests - practically and without unnecessary illusions.

Is Airbnb for you?

When is a short-term rental worth it

Ideal situation:

• Property in a tourist-attractive location
• Apartment in the center of a big city
• Property that you do not use continuously
• Willingness to devote time to management or invest in a manager

Potential returns: In Prague, a well-rated 2+kk apartment can earn 40,000-80,000 Kč per month. Expect less in smaller towns.

When it's not worth it

Less suitable situation:

• Remote location without tourists
• You don't have time to communicate with guests
• SVJ or lease agreement prohibits short-term rentals
• Property requires major investment

Comparison with long-term rental

Factor	Long term	Short Term (Airbnb)
Yield	Stable, lower	Higher potential, fluctuating
Work	Minimum	Ongoing administration
Attrition	Normal	Higher
Flexibility	Low (Contract)	High
Regulation	Clear	Changing

Legal and tax aspects

Legislation in the Czech Republic

Business authorization: Short-term stays may constitute accommodation services requiring a trade authorisation, depending on the actual services and business model. Check the current trade, tax and municipal rules before operating.

Declaration of accommodation: Where the Foreigners Act makes you an accommodation provider, report foreign guests through the current prescribed system and deadline. Local stay-fee duties and exemptions follow the current municipal ordinance.

Local fees: Municipalities may charge a local stay fee; amounts and exemptions are set by the current municipal ordinance, so any Prague or other-city figure is only an example.

Taxes

Revenues from Airbnb are subject to:

• Income tax: use the rates and thresholds applicable for the relevant Czech tax year and taxpayer; verify current Financial Administration guidance.
• VAT, if the current Czech VAT rules make you liable
• Road tax (if you use a car for administration)

Expense flat rate: You can claim a 40% flat rate on business income.

SVJ and rent contract

Watch out for:

• SVJ statutes may limit or prohibit short-term rentals
• Lease agreement may prohibit subletting
• Landlord consent is required (if you are a tenant)

Property preparation

Basic equipment

Minimum for guests:

• Clean bed with quality bed linen
• Towels (2 sets per person)
• Basic kitchen equipment
• Toiletries (soap, toilet paper)
• Wi-Fi (absolutely necessary)

Recommended accessories:

• Coffee and tea maker
• Hair dryer
• Iron
• Television
• Desk (for business travelers)

Photo documentation

Professional photos are key:

• Invest in a photographer (Kč 2,000-5,000)
• Shoot in daylight
• Clean and style
• Capture all rooms
• Add exterior and surroundings too

Tips for better photos:

• Wide-angle lens enlarges spaces
• Take pictures from the corners of the room
• Open the curtains/blinds
• Light up even during the day

Safety

Mandatory:

• Functional smoke detector
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• Clearly marked escape exit

Recommended:

• Detector CO
• Security lock
• Safe for valuables of guests

Profile and ad setup

Airbnb registration

1. Create an account (email or Google/Facebook)
2. Verify identity (civil card)
3. Add profile photo
4. Write something about yourself

Creating an ad

Headline:

• Clear and enticing
• Include keywords (location, benefits)
• Example: "Sunny apartment in the center with a view of the Vltava"

Description:

• First sentences are most important
• Describe unique features
• Mention proximity to attractions and transportation
• Be honest (don't exaggerate)

Photos:

• Main photo must attract attention
• Sort by best
• Describe what is in the photo

Pricing settings

Factors affecting price:

• Location and availability
• Size and equipment
• Season (summer, Christmas, action)
• Competition in the area

Pricing strategy:

• Dynamic prices (according to occupancy)
• Discounts for longer stays
• Special prices for weekends
• Special price for first guests

Tools:

• Airbnb Smart Pricing (automatic)
• Beyond Pricing, PriceLabs (advanced)

Stay rules

Define:

• Check-in and check-out times
• Minimum length of stay
• Pets (yes/no)
• Smoking (yes/no)
• Parties (usually no)
• Maximum number of guests

Manage reservations

Communicate with guests

Before arrival:

• Confirm reservation
• Send check-in information
• Offer help with planning

During your stay:

• Be available for questions
• Solve problems quickly
• Respect privacy

After departure:

• Thank you for your stay
• Ask for a review
• Write a guest review

Check-in options

Personal handover:

• Best for the first impression
• Possibility to show the apartment
• Time consuming

Self check-in:

• Keybox with code
• Smart lock
• Instructions in the application

Cleaning and maintenance

After each guest:

• Complete cleaning (or service)
• Change of bed linen and towels
• Equipment check
• Refilling consumables

Cleaning service:

• Typically 500-1,500 Kč per cleaning
• Include in the fee for cleaning
• Find a reliable partner

First guests and reviews

Get first bookings

Strategy for new listing:

• Lower starting price (by 10-20%)
• Instant booking on
• Respond quickly (within an hour)
• Flexible cancellation policy

Building rating

5 stars = success:

• Exceed expectations
• Little touches (chocolate, wine)
• Local tips and recommendations
• Quick problem solving

What guests rate:

• Cleanliness (most important)
• Accuracy of description
• Communication
• Check-in
• Location
• Value for money money

Troubleshooting

Typical problems:

• Wi-Fi doesn't work - Have restart instructions / backup hotspot
• Hot water - Plumber contact
• Lost keys - Spare kit
• Noise - Earplugs, sorry

Costs and income

Typical costs

Fixed:

• Rent/mortgage
• Insurance
• Energy
• Internet

Variable:

• Cleaning (per stay)
• Consumables
• Maintenance and repairs
• Platform fees (Airbnb takes 3%)

Profitability calculation

Example (2+kk apartment in Prague):

• Average price: 2 Kč 500/night
• Occupancy: 70% (21 nights)
• Gross income: Kč 52,500/month
• Minus costs: Kč 15,000
• Net income: approx. Kč 37,500/month

Common mistakes of beginners

Mistake 1: Unrealistic expectations

Problem: You expect 100% occupancy and premium rates.

Reality: The first months are slower, you build a reputation.

Mistake 2: Bad photos

Problem: Amateur, dark, cluttered pictures.

Solution: Invest in professional photography.

Mistake 3: Underestimating work

Problem: "It's passive income."

Reality: Communication, cleaning, maintenance take time.

Mistake 4: Ignoring reviews

Problem: You don't address negative feedback.

Solution: Learn from criticism, improve.

Mistake 5: Legal problems

Problem: You are running a business without a business, you don't pay taxes.

Solution: Take care of the legal side before starting.

Summary: Checklist for starting

Before starting:

• Check legal options (SVJ, contract)
• Start a business
• Get insurance
• Prepare the apartment (equipment, security)
• Take professional photos

Start the ad:

• Create a profile and verify identity
• Write an attractive description
• Set competitive prices
• Define the rules

First guests:

• Answer questions quickly
• Exceed expectations
• Collect positive review
• Learn and improve

Airbnb can be a great source of income, but it is not "easy money". It requires preparation, time and attention to detail. If you are willing to invest in it, the reward will come.

How Grento can help you

Grento supports the management of short-term and long-term rentals in one system. Overview of occupancy, income and costs in one place.

> Czech-law scope and editorial note: Legal, tax, accounting, tenancy, service-charge, condominium, metrology, insurance and data-protection statements in this article refer to the Czech Republic and the rules effective for the relevant date. Figures and examples are illustrative, not legal or tax advice. Verify current rules with the relevant Czech authority or a qualified adviser.

> Accommodation clarification: A stay length or EU status alone does not determine Czech licensing, § 7/§ 9 classification, VAT, contributions or foreigner-reporting duties. Check the actual service package, provider status, current municipal ordinance and current Czech Foreigners Act guidance.