You've accepted guests at your vacation rental and a nightmare scenario unfolds: damaged furniture, trashed rooms, and furious neighbors.
Guest screening prevents disastrous situations and benefits owners in numerous ways, from checking customers' past references to reducing the risk of property damage. But if you're not familiar with screening guests, you likely won't understand the benefits or know how to implement it.
Luckily, we're here to help you change this. Here are our do's and don't of screening guests for vacation rentals.
Do: List Your Listing on Multiple Platforms
Before running guest background checks, decide which platforms to advertise your listing on. The key is to choose reputable sites to increase your chances of attracting credible guests. Many ask guests to sign up so you can see what previous hosts say and if they would host them again.
Don't: Rely on Automated Bookings
Because you want secure vacation rentals, you should never rely on automated bookings. Although instant bookings fill your calendar with minimal effort, you could accidentally accept a nightmare guest who could damage your property. Instead, choose a site where you can manually approve guests to ensure that they are the right fit for your listing.
Do: Verify Guests
Vacation rental guest verification is a crucial part of the process. Ideally, the guest should have a complete profile on your chosen site, complete with proof of ID. By verifying the guest, you have peace of mind knowing who you're welcoming into your property while adding an extra layer of security.
Don't: Ignore Red Flags
Be on the lookout for common red flags. Examples include an incomplete profile, last-minute bookings, and no reviews from previous hosts. You should also be wary of guests who ask for exceptions to the house rules because they could have bad intentions.
Do: Set Clear House Rules
Speaking of house rules, hosts should set clear ones. Include these in your listing description so guests know what to expect before they stay at your property. You could, for example, say parties aren't allowed and set a maximum number of guests.
Don't: Forget About Insurance
Like with any aspect of homeownership, insurance is a must. Check it includes vacation rentals so you're protected in a worst-case scenario. The plan should cover property damage and liability coverage if a guest gets injured on your property.
Do: Hire a Property Management Company
Vacation rental screening requires time and experience, which isn't always possible for investors. If this is the case, look for local companies that deal with vacation rental management. These professionals know how to run thorough background checks and can spot red flags you may overlook.
Our Do's and Don'ts: Screening Guests for Vacation Rentals
Now we've covered the do's and don'ts for screening guests for vacation rentals, you'll get peace of mind knowing that you're attracting credible candidates. Make sure that you're vigilant in the screening process and always listen to your gut.
At PMI Old Line, our team of experts handles everything from marketing rental listings to improving guest satisfaction. If you're in the Elliott City area, we'd love to hear from you. Contact us today to chat with a member of our team.
