How to Host a Short-Term Rental and Keep 95% of Every Booking

1. 01

   Step 1: Prepare your space and gather photos

   

   Before you list anything, walk through your rental as if you're the guest. Check that everything works: locks, appliances, Wi-Fi, heating and cooling, hot water. Stock basics like fresh linens, towels, toilet paper, soap, and a coffee maker. Clean thoroughly—guests notice dust and grime immediately.

   Take at least ten high-quality photos in daylight. Shoot the entrance, living areas, each bedroom, the kitchen, bathrooms, and any outdoor space. Wide angles help, but keep photos honest; don't misrepresent square footage. A clean, well-lit photo of a small room beats a dark shot of a large one. If your place has a unique feature—a fireplace, a deck with a view, a game room—highlight it.

2. 02

   Step 2: Create your listing with accurate details

   

   Open the app or visit golumo.app, choose Real Estate mode, and tap 'List a Property.' Select 'Short-Term Rental.' Enter your address, property type (entire home, private room, shared room), number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and maximum guest count.

   Write a clear title: 'Cozy 2BR Near Downtown' or 'Waterfront Cottage with Kayaks' works better than generic phrases. In the description, cover the essentials: what's included, house rules (pets, smoking, parties), check-in and check-out times, parking, and nearby attractions. Mention Wi-Fi speed if you have fast internet—remote workers care. Set your nightly rate based on comparable listings in your area; you can always adjust later. Upload your photos, review everything, and publish.

3. 03

   Step 3: Respond quickly to inquiries and booking requests

   

   When someone views your listing and sends a message or booking request, you'll get an instant alert. Reply within an hour if possible—fast responses win bookings. Answer questions honestly: if your place is a ten-minute drive from the beach, say so; don't call it 'beachfront.'

   Lumo's in-app messaging keeps the conversation organized. Confirm check-in details, share the door code or lockbox location, and ask if the guest needs anything special. If someone asks for a discount, you can adjust the rate manually, but don't undervalue your space. Once the guest books, their payment is processed securely; you'll see the booking amount minus the 5% service fee in your dashboard.

4. 04

   Step 4: Manage the calendar and avoid double-bookings

   

   Block off dates when your rental isn't available: personal trips, maintenance, family visits. Update your calendar immediately after every booking. If you list on multiple platforms, sync calendars manually or keep one master calendar to prevent double-bookings—nothing ruins your reputation faster.

   You can set minimum and maximum night stays. A two-night minimum filters out one-night party bookings; a seven-night maximum keeps inventory moving during high season. Adjust rates for weekends, holidays, and local events. A college graduation weekend or a nearby festival can justify a 30–50% premium. Check comparable listings weekly to stay competitive.

5. 05

   Step 5: Prepare for check-in and provide clear instructions

   

   The day before check-in, send a welcome message with the exact address, parking instructions, entry code or key location, and your phone number for emergencies. If check-in is after dark, turn on exterior lights. A simple welcome binder inside—Wi-Fi password, appliance instructions, trash day, restaurant recommendations, emergency contacts—saves you a dozen texts.

   Clean and inspect the rental the morning of check-in. Restock consumables, check for maintenance issues, and do a final walk-through. If you hire a cleaner, budget $60–120 per turnover depending on size. Many hosts pass this cost to guests as a separate cleaning fee; just disclose it upfront in your listing.

6. 06

   Step 6: Handle checkout and request a review

   

   Set a clear checkout time—usually 10 or 11 a.m.—and list simple tasks: strip beds, start the dishwasher, take out trash, lock up. Don't make it a chore list; guests paid for lodging, not housekeeping. After checkout, inspect for damage and missing items. Photograph anything unusual before you clean.

   Once the guest has left, send a thank-you message and ask them to leave a review. Positive ratings build trust and push your listing higher in search results. If something went wrong, address it politely in your reply to their review. Most issues—a blown light bulb, a noisy neighbor—can be resolved with good communication. After a few bookings, your rating and response rate become your best marketing tools.

7. 07

   Step 7: Track earnings and understand the 5% fee

   

   Every booking generates a payout: the nightly rate times the number of nights, minus 5%. So if you charge $150 per night for three nights ($450 total), you receive $427.50. The guest pays $450 with no added fees—a huge advantage when travelers compare platforms.

   Your earnings land in your in-app wallet and can be paid out to your bank account. Keep records for taxes; short-term rental income is taxable, and you can usually deduct expenses like cleaning, utilities, mortgage interest (prorated), repairs, and platform fees. Some cities require a business license or collect occupancy taxes; check local rules. A 5% fee is among the lowest in the industry, which means more profit per booking and competitive pricing that attracts guests.

Photos are illustrative. Service prices are typical ranges and vary by city. How we write our guides.