6 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Renting Out My Tiny House 

Slightly more jolly update since my last video on this topic haha. Hope you all find it interesting/helpful. Thanks to Booking.com for sponsoring as well. If you're like to become a host with the, check out the link in the description. :)

I had the pleasure of staying in this tiny home last weekend and I can honestly say it is worth the visit. The house itself is beautiful and the surroundings are breathtaking, not to mention how nice George and his family were to us!

I’ve had 7 guests stay in my home through AirBNB. 5 were GREAT! 1 was a COMPLETE DISASTER resulting in a $600 insurance claim. And the most recent one was a displaced family (mom, dad, toddler, newborn) for 2 months who were nice but very taxing. Replace toilet, unclogged other toilet,broken lid off of 3rd toilet. Replaced freezer gasket and had to have service call on stove “leaking gas” (due to renter lack of knowledge on how to use a gas stove - was not leaking gas, they put foil over the flame vents…cost $300 for guy to remove foil). All of that is fine. Normal “wear and tear” and I’m wise to potential gas stove issues. I moved back in last Monday and set about cleaning it. The 12 x 12 kitchen took me 8 HOURS. There was food and icing stuck on EVERY surface. Cabinets, floors (mopped 3x!), dishes, oven, stove. Cheerios EVERYWHERE throughout the home! I literally had to move every piece of furniture to vacuum and wipe. Leather couch ruined by head oil??? Filthy with food and other spills. Desk chair totally flattened and worn spot in carpet from feet under chair. Broken chandelier. All my plants are dead (fine, my fault). Vacuum was totally wrapped up in string and hair. Wrought iron chair leg bent 😮. And more. Sigh. I could go on and on but that’s enough to paint the picture: not all guests are considerate of space, and accidents happen. I don’t think these people meant any harm whatsoever, but their level of clean and gentle use are nowhere near my standards. I’ve lived here for 17 years and haven’t had these issues. Was it worth it? I suppose so but know this: it is a LOT of work. Your stuff WILL get damaged and broken and stolen. Do not go over the top with expensive anything. Do NOT leave anything that is of value to you. Do not use carpet if you can avoid it. Sorry for the mini rant, it’s all fresh in my mind.

“Spill things on it and worse.” SAY NO MORE 💀

Your voice is so soothing... I could listen to you talk about random things the entire day :)

i adore the way he says "bookins"

You're such a kind person sharing the benefit of things you've learned, whether its remodelling or renting out your house or making money from You Tube. Thank you, George. Really interesting 🌷.

Who needs a nightly sleep meditation video, just need to watch your videos and be lured to sleep, your voice is so soothing

I love updates on the Tiny House. Let’s manifest me going there and enjoying Scotland.

I can affirm as a regular Airbnber, I can feel quality or when a host is cheaping out, and I feel better in their place when a host is trusting. Having enough toilet paper, some tissue, paper towels, and some spices and oil makes all the difference for me in a place, and welcome gifts are awesome, though I can't always eat them being vegan and gluten free.

Totally agree - I use use Airbnb all the time and a three night minimum is such a pain - so glad it all turned around for you, George! 🎉

I have to admit, a small portion of milk/tea/coffee and a chocolate or two is enough to bribe me to look past a lot of small issues in a short term stay hahah. Rather than white plates/bowls etc, i actually think having all individual different bowls and plates in a range of colors works well also.

Pro tip. Get yourself proper bed bug resistant zippered mattress cover. Then a waterproof fitted cover over that. The top one comes off for laundering and if you tape the zipper with duct tape it can stay on forever.

I think a big part is the fact that you have a small rental. People who have a whole house to rent means a lot of people are going to be there and that increases damage and problems exponentially. Two people, either friends or a couple, aren't likely to throw a wild party in a tiny house. Most of the rental horror stories involve big properties and a huge amount of people staying there.

This is great, and mirrors my own experience in short term rental. I placed air conditioning plugs on a motion sensor, which allowed me to set it to turn off half an hour after no movement. In South Africa people tend to try cool the space all day and come home when it’s already cooler outside anyway.

In a previous video you talked about how renting this house technically makes you a landlord and its associated negative connotations, and I remember seeing critical comments. I support your points made in that video, and if anything, this video further does the job. I think there's a very big difference between being a large corporation monopolising people's access to housing, vs an individual with some capital and pouring it into an accommodation (instead of something else). This video shows how much thought and care you've put into this process, and how you learn from experiences and, most importantly, try and do what's best for your guests. Hope you continue to receive more bookings as more people discover your little house.

Rome wasn't built in a day George .I admire your get up and go . Look forward to you next video ..

I made some of the same mistakes as you when I ran a holiday cottage. You'll get to see a whole range of people. Most will be really nice and a joy, but some... Sweet Jesus! These people must live like pigs in their own homes. Watch out for hidden breakages. Some guests will break items and then hide them in the back of cupboards. Others will steal your expensive items and replace them with something much cheaper. Because our holiday cottage had distant views to the coast, we left military grade binoculars for guests to use. These were expensive. Weeks later I opened the case only to find some cheap rubbish binoculars inside, and we couldn't tell which guests had done it. Wooden hangers were often replaced (by guests) with plastic ones. Wishing you much success in your new business.

This is all the advice I would have given you in advance as well. My husband and I were caretakers of a condo here on Maui for ten years and the number one thing we advise is duplicates of all the linens. This was so that we could take them off site for washing, which greatly reduced our turnover time (we rarely had a vacancy). We, too, struggled with renters who didn’t understand they couldn’t run the air conditioner 24/7 while also leaving the doors wide open, ugh! But fortunately, most were very respectful of the property.

As someone who’s used short term rentals I agree having a bit nicer and enough things (particularly in the kitchen ) is major. Also a good mattress is essential. We once stayed in the most wonderful mountain retreat, but the mattresses in both rooms were extremely uncomfortable. We would not go back and found another place for our next getaway.

As a serial cottage renter i would add the following comments: I love when an owner contacts me to discuss my individual requirements I like to know what is provided (tea, coffee, milk, cakes, presents...) as I don't want to double up on supermarket shopping. Details of local walks, shops, takeaways, pubs with recommendations is always welcome. I would much rather pay more and be free to treat it as my home rather than spend the whole break reading little cue cards reminding me how much heating costs etc. Some sort of useable TV service rather than a smart TV you need to navigate apps for (I appreciate most people can deal with this but it confuses me)

Thank you, George! Great advice, applicable to a number of different kinds of businesses. I've run an online business for more than a decade, and I can tell you, there's always a learning curve. You learn as you go. And you're doing great. 😊👍

In my previous home, I had a thermostat with an app connected to my phone. Also allowed me to set upper and lower temperature limits and in general keep an eye on things.

I hate that first IKEA sofa you got with a passion! We dumped it after only 6 months. It was the single worst experience assembling a piece of Ikea furniture (which is what I do all the time for my YT channel).

Thanks George. Everything's a learning curve. Should be "six things I'll now know the next time I'm renting out a tiny house" (maybe avoid a "on my way to global superpower*evil laugh*" at the end!!) I promise not to leave the heat on whenever I make it over!!

George, my partner’s biggest pet peeve is towels. Just one bigger bath towel, or bath sheet, (as they are sometimes known), or even two of the medium size, together with the hand towel and face towel. Nowadays even rugs can be washed if you get a spill, etc.. Great wee video.

Hey from 🇺🇸 so glad to see ya. Hope you and jr are well. Sure wish I could come to Scotland and stay at your tiny home, looks lovely. So glad that things are picking up. Best of everything in the future for you and junior. XXOO ❤

I find it a bit funny that as soon as your video ended a commercial for 'Airbnb' came on. Great video George.I'm glad things are picking up for you.That was some very good info you shared and I appreciate it. Cheers to you and all the fans.

Your videos always make my day George. Thank you!

I think sometimes my family are very strange. We are careful to look after someone else’s property better than our own. Last place were in we cleaned the cooker hood filters cos they looked a bit greasy (just involved putting them in the dishwasher) and told the owners their heating system seemed to be off and likely costing them money.

Great video, George. Continued success to you. 😊

This was so informative. The points listed are things that I would not have considered but make perfect sense.

Great video. I love your updates on your tiny house and hope we get another Junior video soon!

Thanks for sharing. Well done lad, I’m sure this little venture of yours will really start to fly soon.

Love your voice! Another great video, George. Very informative ♥️ Junior is so dog gone CUTE!

It's great you share all your trials of this so other can be helped in their endeavors!

Wonderful to see you. 😀 Glad you are figuring things out. Hopefully, by your next video you will have more success to share with us. Thank you for sharing your world. See you in the next one.

So pleased you are doing so well, have followed you since you started to make the building into a home, interesting notes you found to be helpful.

I've been rooting for you ever since I watched your original series about your house! Go, George!

So nice to see you again!! 🍀

Very helpful as always George!

What incredible hosts you are. Love the shortbread & welcome note. I use airbnb/booking a lot and my favourite things have been a handwritten note on a chalkboard so I could write one back when I left. I have had fresh eggs & local honey also. You feel so spoiled as a guest. Also one of my hosts tapes a spare key inside the key box so if you lose it/forget where you put it you always have a spare which you can find via the app and the lockbox code. Love this. Peace of mind. Can't wait to come and stay later in the year.

Very interesting on the furniture and other things about rentals. Now that you have been through this you are ready to roll and bring in the guests. All the best to you from Alaska.

You are so humorous, your quick wit makes me smile and laugh. Continued success to you George.

You go kid! A great presentation!

Well done 👏 some fantastic tips to think about, and it’s a learning process as u continue ❤

This has been a great video and valuable information!!! Keep the affiliate possibility in the back of your mind. Local business or other businesses through out Scotland that might pay for additional business they might receive from referrals!! A lot of influencers travel to Scotland and also spend some time in Scotland! Love your videos!!!

Greetings from San Diego, CA ☀Thank you for sharing your tips...very much appreciated! ⭐

I totally agree about comfortable furniture. Nothing worse than settling down to watch tv at the end of a long day of travel/sightseeing and you’re either don’t fit on sofa because it’s so tiny or worse the fabric is so cheep and shiny that the cushions slip away from under you. I’ve come across this several times in my travels. Often you end up having to sit on uncomfortable kitchen chair. Great video all solid points you have mentioned.

I think the way you make sure everything is perfect for your guest would make me stay there. So beautiful

Mr Dunnett is cookie smart! He has done his careful analysis & sorted out the issues! - great.

Hi George, I enjoy your calming videos and useful information. The tiny house and your own home look lovely. Your joiners did a fabulous job. I watched their progress throughout the build. I’ll keep them in mind should I need work done. Best wishes from M in Fife 😁

Thanks for the info George. 🇨🇦👍🏼

This is great info; thank you!

Yes! Was just thinking about when you would drop another video George...💛....

Very interesting to hear about your experience with this.

Another fascinating vid, George.. 👍

I don’t have a rental, but your note on diversification has me thinking about my own business situation. Thanks George! Great content as always! ✨🙌🙌✨

Thanks for the update!

The winds of grace are always blowing but one needs to raise the sail

You care and attention is wonderful. If I can buck up the courage to drive on the left side of the road, I would love to visit. Cheers from Canada!

Listening to your videos chills me out 😊

Thanks George! You covered some very good topics. Glad you were able to resove some of the issues( such as switching to a 2 night stay) that kept bookings low. Enjoyed the video. Wishing you the best.

Very informative - thank you!

Nice to see you !

Yes I agree. Very kind man.

Thank you. Useful information.

Hi George, if possible I would suggest you could look into a thermostat that lets you lock the max temperature as to help you save a bit on the heating side of things. Great tips!

very good options you've made with the items on the rented house, another is using white towels, easy to clean/sanitize.❤

Great advice, George! 🙏💃🏻🥰

There is also a tamper proof version of a standard room stat available with a cover over the adjustment knob

You are looking well and had some great advice and experience like you said not just for renters but all kinds of homes. I would love to see Scotland but due to disability, I see a bit through your videos.

They're cracking down on Airbnb where I'm from. It's taking all the housing from actual residents.

All great points and good tips. Most of these, were learn as you go. Now that you've made adjustments, should be smooth sailing ahead.

George, I received and having been reading The Strangest Secret. Although I am a none religious person, I want to share w/you that I am greatly enjoying this book. I am going to start putting its words into personal use. I greatly appreciate u bringing it to my attention, when when I was looking for "something", uncertain of what, then you mention this read. My best to you!

Hey George, solar panels are expensive but they will eventually pay themselves back and then some. If you can afford them, I would really recommend it. Also, I don't know how it is for you guys but in many places in the US if you produce more energy than you use with the solar panels, the Department of Power pays you.

Love this idea.. love your channel 🙋🏾‍♀️🇬🇧

Thanks for sharing!

thanks this also helps me be a better consumer

Nice to hear ❤

youre learning a lot. it's a business like any other. marketing, establishing your price point vs quality (value for money); one thing I've learned though (watching alex pollizi/hotel inspector) is that you have to know your costs, dont skimp on cleanliness, always focus on customer experience. Great insights George! keep it up.

On my bucket list.

Well done great job. An interesting point while the person is staying its there choice about the level at which they wish to use the utilities rather than be told about it. You just take that away from the costings or do fulltime rental where it would be a seperate bill then its a win win.

George... you're just awesome.

Thank you George. Another fantastic video. In regards to your electricity bill. I saw a RU-vid video the other day of a hotell in America, and they had a system installed where the visitor had to swipe their credit card on a card reader on the hotel rooms wall, in order for them to use the lights, heating etc. So basically they were charged for the energy they used during their stay and not the hotel. Just a thought. It would make visitors more mindfull of doing thing like turning the thermostat up to the max and going out for the day if they are paying for it.

Another helpful video---thank you.

Good things to know!

Was just needing an update on your venture ….glad things are going well….

Well I need to visit Scotland again and stay at your place. It looks positively charming! Loved my one brief stay in Edinburgh, btw. Dunno if you’re near there. Cheers from the USA!

Great video -- as usual for you! I also have a rental. My basement is like a short-term apartment (kitchenette) with its own entrance, lots of windows for light, and nice mountain views. There's not a separate thermostat for the area, and heat rises, so it can be cooler downstairs in winter. I put a slim, silent, electric, plug-in heater on a central wall, and the cost to run it is minimal. It may not be something you'd find useful, but possibly your readers. You're right, George, it's really a good move to provide some treats; even a bottle of wine.

Would love to see how the Tiny House focuses on leaving a tiny impact and or being nett positive. Great video!

You've made some wise decisions regarding when to buy good quality and when to buy less expensive, easily replaced items. In one weeklong rental the wine glasses were clearly delicate, perhaps even antique, so we picked up two to use at the Dollar Store! For dishes and bowls at another rental, they had plain white Corelle, so when we broke a bowl we could quickly replace it. On the other hand, good quality cotton sheets are appreciated!

Been missing your videos George!

Thanks!

I'm from Australia which could hardly be further away, and I'll definitely look into staying there when I return to Scotland one day! My grandmother was born there :)

A tip for people who are renting out a unit that has shared walls with residents.... Invest in sound proofing wall panels!

Thank you for this, really informative. The background music is driving me insane, though.

You've done a great job making things look cozy! I love the choice of your prints. My opinion of resting pictures against the wall is that it may be a trend but, to me, it always looks like no one has gotten around to hanging the picture. I think it looked nice and had more impact when you were holding it where you would hang it. Just my opinion...😊

We use Honeywell thermostats in three homes. Thermostats notice when we are gone and we can also control via app on our phone. Resideo is who I believe manages it all.

Nice house. I stayed in a B n B in a small village in Italy recently. They have a locked thermostat. Another one had a card key system set up when you left the room, the key card turned off the heat or AC and when you put the key card in the door to enter, the thermostat started the heat and or AC. Also adding a solar power panel or two is not that expensive, It is a beautiful place.