With rental industry thriving and high probability of earning a decent passive income, more and more people are starting their own vacation rental business. In this market, as in any other market, there are many risks involved, and guest security comes first. Since you are the landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure your renters and your property are fully protected against unforeseen risks and crime. Your top priority should be to come up with an efficient safety plan which will keep your guests safe, protect your property, and prevent unauthorized access. In fact, effective precautionary measures are critical for the success of your business.
Follow Our Short-Term Rental Safety Recommendations to Keep Your Guests Safe & Your Property Free From Unexpected Incidents
In this article, we’re reveal top safety tips for vacation rental property owners. You’ll find information on what potential risks are, how to increase security, how to educate your guests, which safety devices to install, how to deter criminal activities, and how property management company can help you maintain the highest levels of security. Using knowledge gained from this text, you will be able to shield your business from costly damages and provide your guests with safe and memorable stay at your property.
Hire Swell Property to Fully Manage Your Vacation Home in Encinitas
Encinitas. Our team takes care of all daily operations and our comprehensive services include advertising, tenant screening, guest check in, customer service, rent collection, maintenance, housekeeping, and so much more. But, most importantly, we place high priority on safety by enforcing robust security practices and regulatory compliance to ensure your guests and your property are shielded from unforeseen accidents. Our goal is to prevent accidents, protect your guests’ privacy, minimize risks, and guard your business from damage, crime or fraud. With almost 20 years of experience in the vacation rental industry and given our broad knowledge of this area, our property managers can provide you with everything you could ever need to ensure your guests have peace of mind and a unique stay. To speak to one of our Encinitas property management, fill out a quick contact form or give us a call at (760) 452-2345.
The Most Common Risks at Vacation Homes
As the popularity of vacation rentals keeps growing, so does the number of risks and injuries related to them. In rental industry, there are a lot of factors that can have detrimental impact on guest safety, which is why you should assess, watch out, and address them all before your guests check in.
Slip, trip, and fall incidents
Slips, trips, and falls represent number one hazard in rental industry. Incidents like these can cause various injuries, from minor bruising and insignificant wounds to serious injuries and fractures. Common causes are:
- Slippery, slick, or wet floors
- Uneven, damaged, or loose floor surfaces
- Turned up carpet edges, torn mats and rugs
- Wobbly railings
- Loose extension cords and cables
- Poor lighting
- Walkway and footpath clutter
Equipment breakdown & faulty wiring
Faulty wiring, malfunction or failure of appliances, HVAC systems, boilers, or power outages can lead to many problems:
- Guest safety jeopardized
- Fire
- Major property damage
- Business disruption
- Unplanned vacancies
- Reduced profit margins
Crime
The risk of crime comes not only from thieves that can strike any time, but also from your guests or vendors. Furthermore, in the event that your guests falls victim of a theft, you could be held liable for the damages. There are many hazards:
- Break-ins
- Burglary and theft
- Home invasion
- Scams
- Violence
Swimming pool risks
Swimming pools are a wonderful amenity to have, but they could also pose a potential risk if proper precautionary measures are not taken. Hazards associated with pools in vacation properties include:
- Slip and fall accidents
- Chemical exposure
- Tripping hazards
- Drowning
- Electrical hazards
- Trespassing
Carbon monoxide pollution
Carbon monoxide fumes can be caused by various malfunctioning sources, such as space heaters, grills, gas stoves, lanterns, etc. Depending on how high the concentration of carbon monoxide is, exposure to carbon monoxide can cause:
- Headache (mild or severe)
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness and fainting
- Chest pain
- Mental confusion
Secure Front Door & Other Entry Points
On a home, the first line of defense is its doors and windows. When it comes to home’s entry and exit points, there are several things you should consider in order to ensure a safe guest stay. Clearly communicate house rules to guests so they know what your expectations are. Instruct them to lock all doors and windows when they are not in the house, not to share the key code with anyone, and to comply with the neighborhood guidelines. Remember never to leave keys or key codes unattended in a public place as they can easily be stolen or used to enter the premises of your property.
- If you use traditional keys, make sure you hand them over to guests yourself or through someone you trust, such as property manager, or a friend.
- If you have a lock box, provide each guest and property manager with unique key code. Don’t forget to change the code after every stay.
- Invest in quality locks, deadbolts, and latches which will deter potential unauthorized entry
- Put smart locks with keyless entry that are harder to bypass and provide convenient check in
- Invest in smart home security system that includes smart doorbell camera, video surveillance equipment, security lighting, motion sensor alarms, night vision, two-way audio, etc.
- Fortify the windows by installing shatter-proof window films
- Don’t forget to control access other areas of the property like pool, storage sheds, supplies closets, garage, etc.
Clearly State House Rules To Guests
Keep your guests out of danger by giving them clear instructions on safety policies. A good way to convey the information is to include them in a welcome letter, after they have confirmed their booking with you. You can also include house rules in a digital brochure or as part of a pre-arrival email. This will allow for easier reference. The house rules should contain information such as:
- Maintenance or cleaning crew schedule
- Reminder to lock all doors / arm the system before leaving the property
- Safety rules for the grill area and pool area
- Safety equipment location
- Emergency contact information
- Being mindful of who they open door to
Choose the Right Insurance Policy
Even when you do everything in your power to protect your guests from harm, mishaps will happen. And when they do, you should make sure you, your guests, and your property are protected with adequate insurance coverage. In order to do this, apart from landlord’s insurance, you have to acquire a policy that includes coverage for the tenants and property managers. You also want a policy that has enough bodily harm coverage so that your renters are covered in the event of physical injury. Moreover, choose policy with fast payouts and simplified claims procedures. Include coverages such as:
- Landlord’s insurance – covers property damage, liability, personal property lost rental income, and accidental tenant damage
- Renter’s insurance – advise the tenants to obtain their own policy which will cover their loss in case of accidents like theft
- Loss of rent coverage – This type of coverage helps you overcome the hardships involved with your property being damaged due to natural disasters.
- Theft and vandalism coverage – Helps cover the damage caused by theft and vandalism.
Safety Equipment & First Aid Kits
It’s crucial to adhere to local and regional laws and regulations concerning safety. Below, we have compiled a set of guidelines regarding fire safety and medical emergencies which will help you keep your tenants and your rental unit safe. Remember to regularly check that your equipment is functional and in working order. Regularly inspect first aid kit and replace missing items.
- Fire safety – Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarm outside each sleeping area, on every level of your home, and inside each bedroom. Alarms must be wired together so that if one goes off, they all go off. You can even go a step further and install flashing alarms for people with impaired hearing. Install fire extinguishers in plain sight and inform the guests of their location.
- First aid kit – Supply a well-stocked medical emergency kit. You can either buy it or make it yourself. For reference on what to include in a kit, follow the Red Cross recommendations. Some of the things to include are compress dressings, bandages, antibiotic ointment, antiseptic, triangular bandages, tweezers, emergency contact numbers, etc. Don’t forget to inform your guests of the exact location of the kit.
- Emergency exit route – Place evacuation plan in visible spot and supply the tenants with emergency phone numbers.
Improve Visibility & Security With Proper Outdoor Lightning
Adequate outdoor lighting has many benefits. It improves visibility, deters potential intruders, and minimizes the risk of break-ins. Strategically placed outdoor lights minimize shadows and dark spots, making it harder for the burglars to move unnoticed. When choosing the light, take into account positioning, cost, maintenance, and aesthetic. Plus, don’t forget to refer to local ordinances or HOA guidelines before installing outdoor lighting.
- Advanced lighting systems with remote control
- Motion-activated lights (light sensors)
- Floodlights
- High-intensity discharge lights
Set Up Video Surveillance
Short-term rental security cameras are an affordable way of monitoring your property and minimizing worries. Some of the key benefits include crime deterrence, protection against damage, house rules compliance monitoring, etc.
Having security cameras at your vacation rental is a great idea, however, you have to be careful where you install them. While video surveillance monitoring is generally legal when placed in public areas, such as the outside of the property, entrances and exits, there are places where you cannot use cameras. Never install a security camera inside the home, bedrooms, or bathrooms, as guests want you to respect their privacy. You also cannot have a camera in outdoor areas where guest privacy is needed, like saunas, changing rooms, or outdoor showers.
General guidelines for use of security cameras in vacation rentals are:
- Security device should only be used for security reasons, and only on the outside of the property
- Don’t install the cameras inside the home, where tenants need privacy (bedrooms, bathroom, walk-in closets, etc.)
- Voluntarily disclose presence and location of cameras in your listing, before the guest finalizes the booking
- Delete recorded data when not needed any more
- Do not use hidden cameras
Regular Safety Inspections
Unfortunately, it is not enough just to accident-proof your house and think that there’s nothing more to do. To safeguard your investment property and maintain its healthy condition, it is crucial to carry out regular inspections. These inspections serve to help you spot potential problems early, before they become a major problem and jeopardize the safety of your guests and your property. And the best way to conduct these checks is by having a maintenance checklist to follow. You should check the condition of your vacation rental after each guest’s stay.
- Inspect the property for potential tripping hazards like torn rugs, loose steps, or broken railings
- Ensure all door and window locks are functioning properly
- Check safety devices and emergency alarms and change batteries when needed
- Replenish first aid kit with the missing items
- Clean and service air & HVAC
- Make sure all appliances are in working condition
- Ensure that evacuation routes are clear of obstruction
- Inspect outdoor security lighting
Partner With Reliable Property Management Company in Encinitas
When you think of vacation rental safety, there are a lot of aspects to consider. For some landlords it may even become a burden, as running a properly protected unit requires a lot of knowledge, time, and efforts. Luckily, you can hire professionals who will do this job for you, giving you a chance to focus on other areas of your life. Swell Property is a notable property management company that has ample experience in local market. Our expert managers could act as your eyes and ears and will perform all the daily responsibilities of running a vacation business, including the safety procedures. We will perform inspections, maintenance checks, and tenant screening, but also things like house rules enforcement, legal compliance, and safety equipment functionality. Call us today at (760) 452-2345.
Disclaimer: The material provided in this post and any linked pages and websites does not, and is not intended to, constitute safety, regulatory, legal, or financial advice; instead, all information in this article is for general informational purposes only. You should not rely upon the content provided here as a basis for making legal, business, or any other decisions. While we do make effort to post accurate and up to date information, Swell Property makes no warranties of any kind in regard to the accuracy, suitability, completeness, or reliability of information, graphics, services or products provided here for any purpose. Reliance on such content is solely at your own risk. Swell Property will not be liable for any inaccurate, incomplete, or false information provided on the website. If you have concerns about safety of your property, speak to an appropriately qualified and licensed professionals.
Additional Resources on Vacation Rental Business:
- Is Adding a Pool to Your Vacation Rental Worth It? Find Out!
- Unlock Success in Thriving Vacation Rental Market: Expert Tips from Rental Managers
- Vacation Rental Amenities That Will Wow Your Guests & Boost Your Host Status
- How to Enhance Guest Experience
- Short-Term Rental Tips for Owners: Host Like a Pro
- 12 Essential Tips on How to Make Your Home in Encinitas a Vacation Rental
About the Author
David Miller is Real Estate Advisor at Swell Property. Whether you’re eyeing a new home, an investment property, securing the best mortgage, or aiming to enhance your property’s value, my focus is on providing personalized guidance and strategy for your success. I listen to your needs attentively, ensuring that my expertise aligns perfectly with your real estate goals. My clients’ satisfaction and referrals are the true measure of my success in San Diego’s dynamic real estate market. If you’re searching for a real estate professional who’s deeply committed to your success, I’m eager to demonstrate my expertise and win your trust. Let’s connect and start this journey together.
