Thanks to Airbnb, it has become much easier to look for short-term lodgings when you’re on vacation. The online marketplace and hospitality service allows you to search for rooms you can stay in when you go out of town. Moreover, if you have a space of your own, you can rent it out and make money from it. You can then let vacation-goers use your home as a place to stay during their trip.
However, this does not guarantee the safety of your home 100% of the time. If you are an Airbnb owner, you must be aware of the dangers of any dishonest renters. They’ll be using your home and will have full control of it for some time.
Here then are 7 ways to make your Airbnb home more secure:
1. Get to know the renters of your Airbnb home.
Since you will be allowing strangers to occupy your home, it may be wise to get to know your renters. You can ask them a few questions and try to acquaint yourself with them. The Airbnb system can also help you conduct background checks on your renters if the state permits it. This is to ensure that those who booked your home are people you can really trust.
2. Ask for a security deposit.
The security deposit is cash you can ask from your renters as a way of safeguarding their cooperation. It is a fixed amount of money they’ll pay along with the rent, which you will return after their stay. If they break or damage something while staying in your home, the security deposit can be used as compensation. It makes your renters more careful when it comes to taking care of your space and all the valuables that come with it.
3. Remember to keep the doors accessible to you.
You may have to remind the renters about this, however, it’s important that you keep the doors accessible to you. Take note that not all would be comfortable with this arrangement. It is your property, but you yourself would also need to assure them of their privacy and safety inside your home. Trust is a two-way street.
4. Secure your own keys.
It is important that you always have your own keys in hand, especially when there are emergencies. It’s not necessary, but you can also have a spare copy of the keys hidden somewhere safe. It is good to always be prepared.
5. Remove your valuables from the Airbnb.
Another extra precautionary measure you can take is to remove your valuables from inside your home. Your valuables may include your cell phones, money, jewellery, passports, etc. This is to ensure that nothing gets lost or stolen, especially when it could become a source of misunderstanding.
6. Install a door or window alarm kit.
If you want to go the extra mile, you can even install a door and window alarm kit. There are multiple brands of alarm kits that are of the simple peel-and-stick variety. Easy to carry and install, these alarms will make a huge difference in securing your Airbnb apartment. Most brands are affordable and can even be bought online. Just remember to inform the renters that you have these installed inside the home.
7. Go keyless.
This is probably the safest way to secure your Airbnb home. Instead of a traditional lock-and-key opening, you can try electronic keypads with passcodes! These may be a bit pricier, but it would work best for homes that see to many renters and visitors. You can then easily change the lock sequence or passcode every time someone new rents your space. Then, you can simply give them the new combination.
Remember to take note and follow all these tips in securing your Airbnb home. You can then properly protect your home and be able to conduct a smooth business with it. There have been several reports of fraudulent renters and scammers, so always remember to take extra caution with who you trust your space with.
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