Joseph S.

Airbnb does not pay out the hosts enough to make hosting a room on their website to random strangers worth it. You take a massive risk with Airbnb, as their insurance does not actually provide any useful protection or insurance. Even to apply for such protection in the case of an emergency is a massive headache and time sink that does not equate the effort it takes to apply.

Airbnb takes 3% for their own cut, a standard 28% for taxes regardless of your state, and can randomly charge you all several additional penalties, such as $50 for any cancellation you might make, even if that cancellation is due to an emergency or because you feel highly uncomfortable with a guest.

Realize that you are unable to interview a guest by phone or email before inviting them into your home. Communication through Airbnb is highly restricted and censored. So you're just hoping that the person's Airbnb profile is accurate.

It's simply not worth the headache of hosting some stranger that you cannot interview before handing them the keys to your home with zero protection. Imagine if one of those guests who you so willing give your keys to for a measly payout goes an makes a copy of your key, and breaks in after their stay and robs your home--or much worse.

I feel terrible for guests for getting overcharged on the room, and much worse for hosts who have to put their lives and property at risk for a second petty income. If you need the money so desperately, do something else. Walk people's dogs, pick up a random babysitting shift, whatever you want to do -- just don't host on Airbnb. The payout is simply not worth the risk and the effort.