On a scale of 1 to very, how bad

[spitforspat]

Of an idea is this?

We just got back from vacation and used airbnb.com to find some rooms to rent from locals. It was a lot of fun meeting new people and not having to be all touristy going in and out of a hotel all the time.

I want to list a room on the site. I love to meet people, host and make money.

Would you do this??

[marynjoe]

I am very risk averse, so I would never do it.

[underwaterrhymes]

We used airbnb when we went to Montreal and were very impressed.

I think as long as you require people to have recommendations (or at least pictures / be verified) on the site, you'll be good.

[Deleted]

I'd do it. We rented out our entire house in Santa Barbara during Fiesta for a few years, and if I had my shit more together I would have rented our current house over the summer while we were vacationing. I don't think I would do it while we were actually in the home, but that is mostly because we like privacy too much.

[honeybee]

It would weird me out having random people in my house. So no.

[joenali]

My friend rents rooms in her house and has made a bit of money and enjoys hosting people. I don't think she has ever had a problem.

[lifewithpants]

I wouldn't do it now, but that's mostly because our house wouldn't be a good fit for it. My H and I rented a room from a couple when we went to Rome 4 years ago after we found them on CL. They turned out to be awesome and we're still good friends. I think it could be a good experience if you work out a good system of picking people!

[wildfloweragain]

I think it's a horrible idea, asking for trouble. A coworker of mine does it on the regular and thinks it's great. So probably somewhere in there:)

[marynjoe]

Renting out my house? Ewwww.... They're rummaging through my underwear drawers, digging in my medicine cabinet. No way could I do that.

[spitforspat]

The places we stayed at had locks on certain cabinets and doors. I would probably put a keyed lock on our bedroom door.

One couple we stayed with left their iPad on the table every single day, and were always gone by the time we woke up. I guess they were REALLY trusting.

[Deleted]

Sept 3, 2012 11:34:41 GMT -5 marynjoe said:

Renting out my house? Ewwww.... They're rummaging through my underwear drawers, digging in my medicine cabinet. No way could I do that.

It really wasn't a big deal. We put all personal items inside the master closet then locked the closet door. We also took our own sheets off and used a special set we had bought for this purpose. Then had the clening lady come before we returned to the house. It takes about one hour to prep the house and we have never rented our house for less than $5K, so totally worth it in my opinion.

[Deleted]

This sounds like my worst nightmare. Both staying with strangers and having them in my home.

[spitforspat]

Haha- its funny how divided people are on this topic.

[Kit]

I wouldn't. I don't like the idea of strangers in my house, references or not.

[bonquiqui]

I wouldn't, but it just weirds me out thinking of strangers staying in my house. Maybe they are freaks, maybe they have bedbugs lol Pass lol

[Deleted]

I like the idea of it but am not sure I would ever be comfortable actually doing it.