A decision that started with a family problem has turned into a homestay business.
HOW DOES A SHORT-TERM RENTAL BUSINESS WORK?
A short-term rental business has expenses such as property rent or loan payments, maintenance, electricity, cleaning, furnishing, platform fees and taxes.
The short-term rental model can involve property owners listing their own homes or operators managing properties belonging to someone else.
Unlike a conventional 9-to-5 job, a short-term rental business can offer more flexibility to an owner or operator.
A decision that started with a family problem has turned into a homestay business. Snigdha left her corporate job in 2023 after her child began struggling with separation anxiety. She did not have a business plan or experience in hospitality, but decided to look for a career that would give her more control over her time. She began researching short-term rentals, eventually putting properties in Delhi on Airbnb. According to her account, the venture has since generated Rs 21 lakh in revenue.
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Her story also offers a glimpse into how the homestay business works, where property owners or operators earn from short-term stays rather than traditional long-term rentals.
HOW DID SHE GET INTO THE HOMESTAY BUSINESS?
Snigdha says she had never even stayed in an Airbnb before deciding to enter the business. After leaving her job, she began researching how short-term rentals worked and what was needed to run a property.
The first booking came on her first day, according to her account. That early booking gave her the confidence to continue building the business.
HOW DOES A SHORT-TERM RENTAL BUSINESS WORK?
The basic model is simple: a property is offered to guests for short stays instead of being rented to one tenant for a longer period.
The operator lists the property on a booking platform, manages reservations and takes care of guest-related operations. This can include cleaning, maintenance, check-ins and responding to guests.
The earning potential depends on factors such as the property's location, nightly rate, occupancy and operating costs.
IS RS 21 LAKH THE PROFIT?
No. This is an important distinction.
Snigdha's reported Rs 21 lakh figure is revenue, not necessarily profit. A short-term rental business has expenses such as property rent or loan payments, maintenance, electricity, cleaning, furnishing, platform fees and taxes.
The actual amount left with the business after these costs would be considerably different. (Representational Image: Pexels)
DO YOU NEED TO OWN A PROPERTY?
Not necessarily. The short-term rental model can involve property owners listing their own homes or operators managing properties belonging to someone else.
However, anyone considering the model needs to check local rules, housing-society restrictions, landlord agreements and applicable taxes before listing a property.
WHY ARE HOMESTAYS ATTRACTIVE AS A BUSINESS?
Unlike a conventional 9-to-5 job, a short-term rental business can offer more flexibility to an owner or operator. At the same time, it is not passive income.
Properties need to be managed regularly, and guest experience can directly affect reviews and future bookings.
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For Snigdha, the biggest benefit was not just the reported revenue. She says the business gave her more control over her time and allowed her to be around her child while working.
(Disclaimer: This story is based on a social media post. The details, including figures, background, and outcomes, have not been independently verified by India Today. The article is intended for informational purposes only, and readers are advised to exercise their own discretion before drawing conclusions or making decisions based on the content.)
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