Hosting & Property Owners
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make When Hosting and How to Avoid Them
Learn the pitfalls that cost homeowners bookings, ratings, and revenue — and how to fix them before they hurt your shortlet business.
Introduction
Hosting your home as a shortlet in Dubai can be highly rewarding. From steady rental income to connecting with guests from around the world, the opportunities are endless. But many homeowners fall into avoidable traps that lead to poor reviews, vacant calendars, or even fines.
The good news? Most mistakes come from a lack of preparation or experience — and once you know what they are, you can easily avoid them.
Let’s break down the most common hosting mistakes and how to ensure your property stands out for all the right reasons.
1. Skipping Legal Requirements
The Mistake: Many first-time hosts overlook Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) regulations. Renting without the right license can lead to fines or your listing being removed.
How to Avoid It:
Register your property with the DET before listing.
Keep all documents (Title Deed, passport, Ejari if required) ready.
Renew licenses annually and stay up to date with local rules.
Compliance not only keeps you safe but also reassures guests that your property is legitimate.
2. Poor Quality Photos
The Mistake: Using dimly lit, smartphone photos makes even a beautiful apartment look unappealing. Guests scroll past listings that don’t grab attention.
How to Avoid It:
Hire a professional photographer with interior experience.
Shoot during the day with natural light.
Highlight both key features (bedroom, kitchen, living room) and unique details (balcony view, décor, workspace).
Remember: your photos sell the stay before your words ever do.
3. Overpromising in Your Listing
The Mistake: Some owners exaggerate amenities or hide limitations. Guests then arrive disappointed — leading to bad reviews.
How to Avoid It:
Be transparent in your description. If your “sea view” is only partial, say so.
List amenities accurately. Don’t claim “fully equipped kitchen” if it only has a microwave.
Use honesty as a selling point — realistic expectations build trust.
4. Ignoring Guest Communication
The Mistake: Slow replies or vague instructions leave guests frustrated before they even arrive.
How to Avoid It:
Respond quickly to inquiries (within 30 minutes if possible).
Send clear check-in instructions with photos or videos.
Provide a digital guest guide with Wi-Fi password, appliance tips, and nearby recommendations.
Great communication makes guests feel valued and supported.
5. Neglecting Cleanliness and Maintenance
The Mistake: A dirty apartment or broken appliances can ruin the entire guest experience. Even one missed cleaning can result in a bad review.
How to Avoid It:
Hire professional cleaners after every stay.
Schedule regular maintenance checks for air conditioning, plumbing, and electronics.
Keep backup essentials — light bulbs, batteries, towels — stocked.
Cleanliness is the number one factor guests mention in reviews.
6. Forgetting the “Small Touches”
The Mistake: Some hosts provide only the basics, leaving the stay feeling impersonal. Guests want comfort, not just a bed.
How to Avoid It:
Add thoughtful extras like coffee pods, toiletries, or a welcome note.
Include local touches — maybe Emirati dates or a guidebook about Dubai.
Make the apartment feel like a home, not just a rental.
These details cost little but create memorable stays.
7. Pricing Incorrectly
The Mistake: Setting prices too high leads to empty calendars. Setting them too low reduces your profit and attracts the wrong kind of guest.
How to Avoid It:
Research similar properties in your neighborhood.
Use dynamic pricing tools to adjust rates during peak seasons or events.
Offer weekly or monthly discounts to attract longer stays.
Smart pricing balances occupancy with profitability.
Final Thoughts
Hosting a shortlet in Dubai is one of the most rewarding ways to maximize the value of your property. But it’s not as simple as just listing your apartment and waiting for guests. By avoiding these common mistakes — from neglecting cleanliness to skipping licenses — you’ll build a reliable, profitable, and guest-friendly rental business.
Remember: success in shortlets isn’t about perfection. It’s about preparation, attention to detail, and always putting the guest first.
