'In the beginning, I asked my first couple of guests for ID, photocopied it, etc. 'It might sound strange, but I wish I had trusted more,' she says. Judy Benson, an Airbnb Superhost who rents out the Sunday School, a converted church hall close to her home in North Hobart, Tasmania, urges caution.

You may be tempted to go overboard grilling potential guests, unsettled by horror stories about raucous parties. Finally, give guests a sense of the area: how far is your property from popular attractions? What’s the neighbourhood like? Is there a local bistro two streets over that they just can’t miss? Do have trust in your guests If you don’t have air-conditioning or a TV, say so, and likewise, if you have a good selection of spices in the kitchen, let them know. Accuracy is just as crucial in the listing description: don’t exaggerate the amenities, but don’t assume anything is obvious, either. Post plenty of pictures, but only accurate ones - don’t go wild with fresh flowers or bowls of fruit if they won’t be there for every guest. Many smartphones offer sharp enough resolution, although a professional camera can give you an extra boost. Think about lighting, angles and composition, and put the toilet seat down, clear up clutter and make the bed neatly.

Good pictures will do most of the work for you. Show the best side of your property © Hoxton / Tom Merton / Getty Images Don’t slack on the listing

Airbnb tips