Short-term rental activity is often accompanied by strong concerns and questions from property owners or new hosts. However, many of the worries that circulate are not confirmed in practice and are based more on assumptions than on the actual functioning of the market.

Below are some of the most common concerns of property owners or new hosts — and what actually happens in practice.

 

1. Frequent stays cause greater wear to the property

The continuous turnover of guests is often considered to place greater strain on a property. In practice, however, frequent use is accompanied by systematic cleaning and regular inspection after each stay, allowing small issues to be identified and addressed immediately before they develop into more serious problems.

At the same time, guests who stay for very short periods do not use the space in the same way as they would during a longer stay. Use is often lighter and more careful.

It is, of course, expected that some normal wear of the property will occur, and certain items — such as linens or equipment — function as consumables and require periodic replacement. Serious damages, however, are rare, and platforms such as Airbnb provide coverage mechanisms for documented cases of guest responsibility.

 

2. Personal guest selection and in-person check-in provide greater security

In the past, personal approval of each booking request or physical presence during check-in was considered necessary. Today, conditions have changed significantly. Platforms do not allow access to substantial personal information prior to booking, which limits the possibility of meaningful evaluation.

Instead, selecting guests with verified identity through the platform provides an important level of security, while in Greece, according to legislation, hosts request additional identification details from the guest after booking.

Automated entry systems (self check-in) are now an international standard, particularly in urban areas, as they ensure controlled access, flexibility in arrivals, and better organization. At the same time, they reduce practical problems and the likelihood of errors often associated with physical presence, without increasing risk. Many guests choose properties only when this option is available.

 

3. One-night stays are not financially worthwhile

Many property owners believe that one-night stays reduce profitability due to cleaning costs, overlooking the fact that cleaning costs are set per booking and remain the same regardless of the duration of the stay.

Accepting short stays increases occupancy and reduces calendar gaps that arise when a minimum stay requirement is imposed. In addition, more guests mean more reviews, which strengthens the property’s position on platforms and improves its visibility. Finally, in one-night stays, use of the space is naturally limited, which also reduces wear.

 

4. Higher prices always lead to higher income

Maintaining high prices does not necessarily result in higher returns. In short-term rentals, the goal is not the highest possible price but the appropriate price for each period, depending on demand, seasonality, and competition — a practice known as dynamic pricing.

Prices that exceed market levels often lead to reduced occupancy. When a property remains vacant for extended periods, it gradually loses its position in search results, bookings decrease, and the flow of new reviews is reduced, which further affects performance. In many cases, this situation eventually leads to sudden price reductions in order to fill gaps, resulting in lost revenue that could have been secured through earlier and more gradual adjustments.

Proper implementation of dynamic pricing requires experience, continuous monitoring of the market, and a solid understanding of demand, with the aim not simply of maintaining high prices but of achieving maximum actual income.

 

5. A negative review can destroy the property

The presence of individual negative reviews is a normal part of any hospitality service. Most guests today understand that isolated incidents or differing expectations may occur and ultimately evaluate the overall picture of a property.

A single negative review does not substantially affect the performance of a listing, as long as bookings continue and new positive reviews are added, shaping the overall perception.

What matters most is how the issue is handled: investigation of the matter, a professional response, and continuous improvement of the service. Often, transparent and responsible handling of a problem strengthens the trust of future guests more than the complete absence of negative comments.

 

6. Linens and equipment will be lost or damaged

In hospitality, linens and part of the equipment have a defined lifecycle and are replaced periodically. Their use differs from domestic use and should be treated as an operational cost of the activity.

At the same time, cooperation with organized management or professional cleaning and linen services ensures monitoring, recording, and proper management of equipment, as well as full transparency regarding its condition. Linens are cleaned using appropriate procedures and used in an organized manner so that they remain in good condition for as long as possible and can be returned to the owner if requested.

 

7. The owner must control everything even when working with a management company

Professional management is based on expertise, experience, and the application of specific procedures aimed at achieving the optimal performance of the property. Continuous owner intervention in operational matters often complicates the process without adding substantial value.

As in any field, the objective is the selection of reliable and capable partners and the development of a stable working relationship that allows the owner to enjoy the benefits of the activity without the daily operational burden.

In practice, trust in organized and experienced management reduces the uncertainty and stress often associated with short-term rentals. When professionalism, transparency, and proper communication are present, the owner retains control of their investment and has the assurance that the property operates in the best possible way.