LAUSR

Abstract To keep apartment sharing platforms running, enough people have to act as hosts and offer accommodations. While a lot of research exists on the role of guests, the motivations of Airbnb hosts to offer rooms or apartments still need clarification. In an experimental, randomized, preregistered 2 (room vs. apartment) x 2 (financial vs. social motivation)-between-subjects design (N = 359) the present vignette study investigates the motivations of potential Airbnb hosts. Findings show that people are more willing to offer their property when they are made aware of the financial benefits than when social benefits are made salient, even in the case of experienced hosts. People are more willing to offer separate apartments than rooms within the apartment they live in. Willingness to host depends upon interpersonal characteristics such as risk taking but not on trust in others. The probability of making offers increases when guests can be selected more freely.