Entering vacation rental market is a decision that guarantees economic benefits for everyone who have a property where they doesn’t live usually or have a vacation rental business. However, besides a good management and legal requirements accomplishment, there are other responsibilities like making the accommodation a safe environment, not only for the guest, but also for the owner. An accident can happen any time and it's in our hands as property managers or owners to make sure that their impact is minimalized.
What's basic in vacation rental security?
Making an investment in security shouldn’t be seen as a bother, so always will carry benefits for the owner and the guest. Consequences of an accident that could had been avoided will always be bigger than the time and money spent in a good security plan from the beginning. It is recommended that your accommodations are properly insured before the start of economic activity. For example, a civil liability Insurance covers the owner and the guest for any incident, even third party damage. Other option could be the host Insurance that sometimes is offered by rental channels and cover legally any damage to guests, the property and community areas. The third option is the multi risk insurance, the most complete option that Insurance companies can offer because it covers any issue mentioned before.
Once the accommodations are insured it's time to consider security systems such as anti-theft and fire alarm. When we are talking about places that can be empty for long periods of time is necessary to be protected against thieves who take advantage of this low tourist affluence to access the accommodation. Besides, a fire alarm protects us from fires due to malfunctions of the equipment or guest carelessness. Is recommended to check where to install these devices or know where the law requires to install them if this is the case.
Of course, any information related to the security and accommodation rules must be communicated to the hosts before their arrival. Having this in mind, its appropriate to make a rules and security advice document that also includes where the security equipment is placed. With Icnea’s software it is possible to use the tools included for email automation management to deliver all this information to the guests before their arrival. Also, it’s possible to use the webapp for guests, where the property manager can share this information and much more.
The importance of maintenance
Once the basic security elements have been installed and the communications are ready, we should have to remember that periodical maintenance must be done. That’s not only for security devices, we are also pointing to the whole place and equipment. Heating for winter and AC for summer, water taps, lights… Taking care of all these elements not only will help us to earn guest’s trust, but it also helps us to avoid unnecessary accidents and ensure that everything is ready for the next host.
Last but not least, it’s important to be always in touch with the hosts once they arrive at the accommodation and solve any incident or doubt about the place and the equipment.