When I talk to fellow Airbnb hosts, I always ask them if they were apprehensive about letting random people from the internet into their homes. The answer is always a clear “yes.”

The next question I ask them, is if those fears ever materialized. The answer to this question may surprise you. It’s almost always a very definite “no.”

The biggest worry that people have when renting out their space on Airbnb is that guests will damage their property. Particular questions that are often raised include the following:

• What if a guest steals my belongings? • What if my home is damaged? • What if my guest is highly unsanitary? • How can I be sure that my guest will not harm me?

• How can I be certain that my guest will not bring an unwanted pet or animal into my home?