Can I still stay in my property if it's managed as an Airbnb?

How does blocking dates work?

Simple. You let us know which dates you'd like, and we block them on the calendar across every platform so no guest can book them. The property is cleaned and ready for you when you arrive, and we pick things back up when you leave.

The earlier you tell us, the better, because popular dates can get booked well in advance. Existing guest bookings are honoured, so check the calendar before planning around peak weeks.

What can I use it for?

• Family visits, so relatives have their own space nearby
• Your own holidays, if the property is somewhere you love
• A base while your own home is being renovated
• Somewhere for a son or daughter between moves
• Simply spending time in an inherited family home

Why can't I do this with a long let?

Because once a tenant moves in, it's their home, not yours. You can't stay there, and getting it back is slower than it used to be. We explain why in Section 21 has gone. With a short let there's no tenancy, so the property stays yours to use.

Does blocking dates reduce my income?

Yes, a little, because those nights aren't earning. That's the trade off, and it's your call. A few blocked weekends in a quieter month makes much less difference than a fortnight in peak season. If income matters most, block quieter dates. Our guide on how much more you can earn on Airbnb explains what drives income.

Even so, Renzo landlords typically earn 30% to 40% more than a buy to let, without extra work.

Is it awkward staying where guests stay?

A lot of our landlords enjoy it, actually. Staying in the property yourself is a good way to see it through a guest's eyes. You'll notice the wobbly chair, the dim lamp or the shower that needs descaling, and we can sort those for the next guest.

Most landlords say not at all. The property is checked and cleaned at least every two weeks, we do a photo audit after every clean, and every guest is vetted with ID checks and a damage deposit or waiver. It's like staying in a well kept holiday home, because that's what it is. If damage is a worry, read what happens if a guest causes damage.

Who is this most useful for?

Landlords with family nearby, people who've inherited a home and aren't ready to let it go, and anyone who wants the option to use their property. If you'll never want to stay there and just want a fixed rent, a long let might be simpler. For more ways to keep control, read how landlords can get more control, or see Airbnb management compared with a letting agent.