Hey guys, what’s up and welcome back to the blog! It’s your guy Igor here. 🚀 I’ve been running Airbnbs in Calgary, Alberta, for the past four years, and let me tell you, it’s been a wild ride. Whether you’re in Toronto, Vancouver, or anywhere else in Canada, I’m here to break down everything you need to know about the Airbnb game—the good, the bad, and the ugly. 💼💡

The Good

Let’s start with the good part—money. Airbnb is a great way to bring in extra cash. The income is steady, and if you’re in a decent location, you’re almost always booked. I’ve been almost 110% booked at times, which is amazing. The flexibility is another big plus. If I don’t like a guest, I can ask them to leave, and Airbnb has my back. The platform even helped me remove a one-star review through their resolution process.

The Neutral

Now, let’s get into the more neutral territory. While Airbnb can feel like passive income, it is taxed as active income in Canada. This means you’re basically running a business. You’ll need to keep track of your expenses, handle bookings, and sometimes even deal with cleaning if your cleaners bail on you. It’s definitely not as passive as some might think.

The Bad

The bad part? Well, you have to be prepared for the risks. You’re letting strangers into your property, and you never know what might happen. You could get guests who trash the place, and you’ll have to deal with the fallout. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can be incredibly rewarding.

The Ugly

And now, the ugly. I’ve had guests who left my place in shambles—spilled food on the carpet, damaged countertops, you name it. But thanks to Airbnb’s resolution center, I’ve always managed to get compensated for the damages. It’s part of the game, and you learn to handle it.

Conclusion

So, what’s the verdict on running an Airbnb in Canada? If you’re considering it as a side gig or even a full-time business, it’s definitely worth it. Just be prepared for the ups and downs, and make sure you’re ready to roll with the punches. If you have any questions or need advice, feel free to reach out. And if you’re in Calgary and need a realtor, you know who to call. 😉

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