Air B&B - what do you think is the main reason for people joining?

NIMAN

I have been looking through their website recently, as I was checking out accommodation for Dublin in July.

I got to wondering why people would join AirB&B and make their home available to strangers?

Maybe its just me, but I like having my house to myself and my family, the idea of bringing strangers in doesn't compute at all.

So do people join it for:
1) To earn money cos they need it?
2) Like to meet new people
3) Like helping others out
4) Combat loneliness
5) other reason.

I'm assuming its the first, but I wonder what percentage are doing it to earn some extra pocket money and how many might be really struggling financially and really need to do it?

Michael D Not Higgins

Money, pure and simple. Especially since the advice until recently was that it was available for the rent a room scheme and was tax free.

NIMAN

I take it you have to declare and pay up to Revenue?

Michael D Not Higgins

NIMAN wrote: »

I take it you have to declare and pay up to Revenue?

Yes
http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/airbnb-landlords-warned-over-tax-liability-31130972.html

ongarboy

Money pure and simple.

The host doesn't have to stay with the guest when they use their facilities so the social/loneliness aspect you mention is a rather moot point unless someone is really doing it for that reason.

Personally, if I was going on holidays somewhere and utilised Airbnb, I'd rather a vacant property and certainly would not like to share it with a resident who is seeking company due to loneliness.

My mother used to run a B&B during the summer months years ago and I personally didn't see it as an invasion of privacy (as kids, we enjoyed the novelty of all these "exciting" visitors from far off places like Longford:P or Australia. I'm sure it was more of a compromise for my parents but as my mother said, it paid for our school uniforms and school books come September!

I think the modern version is a great idea to generate cash.

NIMAN

I agree I think its a great idea. Would be tempted myself to use it, although I would be more inclined to want the whole property with no host around, rather than to have to share facilities with them.