Content creator and entrepreneur Murugi Munyi has opened up about her decision to leave the Airbnb hosting business, revealing that the demands of managing short term rentals became overwhelming and negatively affected her mental health. While many people view Airbnb hosting as an attractive source of income, Murugi shared that her personal experience was far more challenging than many realize. She explained that although the business can be profitable, it also comes with constant responsibilities that can quickly become exhausting without the right systems in place. Her honest reflections have sparked conversations among property owners and aspiring hosts who are considering entering the short term rental market. By sharing her journey, Murugi has offered a realistic perspective on both the rewards and challenges of running an Airbnb business.
Speaking about her experience, Murugi described Airbnb hosting as “a monster of a business,” emphasizing just how demanding she found it. She explained that success in the short term rental industry depends heavily on having a dependable support system that can manage cleaning, maintenance and guest services efficiently. According to her, hosts who have trusted teams and well organized processes may enjoy better results and a smoother experience. However, for those without reliable support, the workload can become difficult to manage. Her comments highlight the reality that Airbnb hosting often requires far more than simply listing a property online and waiting for bookings.
Murugi explained that one of the biggest challenges was the constant interaction with different guests. Unlike long term rentals, where landlords typically deal with one tenant over an extended period, Airbnb hosts welcome new guests every few days or weeks. This means continuously responding to inquiries, coordinating check ins and check outs, resolving complaints and ensuring that every visitor has a positive experience. She noted that while many guests were respectful, some proved difficult to deal with, creating additional stress. Managing different personalities and expectations became one of the most demanding aspects of operating the business.
In addition to guest management, Murugi said maintaining the property required continuous effort and unexpected expenses. She revealed that frequent cleaning after each booking, repairing damaged items and replacing broken household belongings became part of her regular routine. The unpredictable nature of these issues made it difficult to accurately plan costs or anticipate future maintenance needs. Unexpected repairs could arise at any time, adding financial pressure as well as emotional strain. According to Murugi, the combination of these responsibilities made the business increasingly stressful despite its earning potential.
Eventually, Murugi decided to change her approach by converting her Airbnb property into a long term rental. She explained that the decision significantly improved her quality of life and brought her much needed peace of mind. Instead of worrying about guest bookings, property inspections and emergency maintenance, she now simply receives monthly rental payments from a long term tenant. This arrangement has eliminated much of the uncertainty that came with managing short term accommodation. She described the switch as one of the best decisions she has made for her mental health, allowing her to focus on other personal and professional priorities.
Murugi’s experience reflects a broader conversation taking place among property investors around the world. While short term rentals can often generate higher income than traditional leases, they also require more active management and ongoing involvement. Property owners must balance occupancy rates, customer service, cleaning schedules and maintenance while adapting to changing travel trends and market conditions. Long term rentals, on the other hand, typically provide more predictable income with fewer daily responsibilities. For many landlords, choosing between the two models depends on their financial goals, available time and willingness to handle operational challenges.
Murugi Munyi’s decision to leave Airbnb hosting serves as a reminder that every investment opportunity comes with its own advantages and challenges. Her candid account offers valuable insight into the realities of managing short term rentals, including the emotional and practical demands that are often overlooked. While she acknowledged that Airbnb can be successful with the right systems and support, she ultimately found that long term renting better suited her lifestyle and well-being. Her story encourages property owners to carefully evaluate both the financial benefits and personal responsibilities before choosing a rental strategy. By prioritizing her mental health and seeking a more sustainable approach, Murugi has demonstrated that success is not only measured by income but also by peace of mind and a healthier work-life balance.
