How to Keep Your Airbnb Rental Secure

A major concern for many Airbnb hosts and those considering the venture is home security and asset protection. With many news outlets picking up stories of Airbnb stays gone wrong, it’s commonplace for prospective hosts to have concerns around home security for their property. While there are many ways in which Airbnb protects their hosts, there is always some risk when inviting strangers into your property.

Oftentimes, lack of awareness around rental property security can lead to owners taking unnecessary steps that may cross boundaries and breach Airbnb terms and conditions. Hidden cameras in privates spaces of a rental are an example of a way hosts can violate terms and conditions and risk their reputation on the platform. With the right steps taken, hosts can be confident that there is no need for unnecessary guest monitoring and relax during each stay.

These tips will allow you to secure your property adequately and protect your investment as you embark on your Airbnb journey.

Prioritise Comprehensive Insurance

Before starting out as an Airbnb host, it’s important to speak with your insurance provider to find out how you are covered in your current plan. Your insurance plan needs to cover you for the type of hosting you are participating in. Whether you are only doing it for a short while, planning for it to be a full-time effort, or it’s simply a one-off, your provider needs to be aware to ensure you are protected.

While Airbnb does provide a Host Protection Guarantee, it’s still vital for your usual insurance company to have accurate information about your position as a homeowner. AA Insurance recommends that potential Airbnb hosts “get to the nitty-gritty of how your home and contents policies would respond should something happen while guests are in your home”. This will allow you to have peace of mind while starting out on Airbnb.

Keep Personal Items and Assets Protected

Remove the likelihood of theft, both of items and your identity, by keeping personal items and assets protected or out of the property completely. Your personal details and property should not be in sight of any strangers, this will greatly reduce the risk of any wrongdoing taking place while you are hosting.

If it is impractical for you to remove all personal items each time you host a guest, consider purchasing a safe that can be kept in a secure location. Expensive items, identification and anything other sensitive documents can be kept protected in your apparatus whenever you introduce a new person to your home.

Vet Your Guests Before Accepting their Booking

Airbnb places a lot of emphasis on keeping hosts safe and encouraging trust in the community. For this reason, they provide a number of ways for guests to verify and this, providing hosts with the reassurance that they can be trusted. Before accepting guests, it’s important for hosts to check whether guests have met these criteria. This will allow you to avoid any people that have bad intentions, allowing you to keep your property safe and secure.

The process for vetting potential Airbnb guests includes:

• Checking whether the guest has a complete Airbnb Guest Profile
• Making sure they have an up to date profile photo
• Assessing past reviews to see how they’ve interacted with hosts in other stays
• Checking that the guest is verified on Airbnb. The verification process for Airbnb guests involves uploading copies of their credit cards, drivers license or passport, connecting their profile with Facebook or Linkedin, and linking their phone or email.

Get to Know Your Neighbours

On Airbnb, your neighbours can be one of the best weapons in becoming a successful host. Not only are they able to help out your guest if you are ever unable to make it to them when they have a query but, they can also keep an eye out on your property for you. By enlisting in the assistance of your neighbours, whether formally or just through casual conversation, your home will always be monitored, even when you aren’t around. People are generally happy to help out their neighbours, even if it’s just to let you know if any parties or disruption is taking place, your neighbours can be fantastic assistance during your experience as an Airbnb host.

Outline Your House Rules Clearly

Many disagreements between hosts and guests can be avoided through properly outlining rules and expectations prior to a booking being accepted. It’s important for both parties to be on the same page in an Airbnb partnership so, making sure your guests are aware of your house rules can go a long way in protecting your property. As the host, it’s your right to make anyone entering your home aware of what is and what isn’t acceptable. Ensuring your rules are in writing and provided through Airbnb will also protect you if they are violated.

Consider Implementing a Smart Security System

With advancements in technology, smart security systems are more effective and more affordable than ever. By installing a smart security system in your home, you are able to monitor entrances to your home remotely through your mobile phone, ensuring you know who is entering your property at any given time. While it’s important to ensure you are not abusing these capabilities as an Airbnb host or violating any rules, it can be a great accessory for hosting and having peace of mind.

Protecting an Airbnb Rental is Simple with the Appropriate Steps Taken

Airbnb rental security should be a primary consideration for all potential or current hosts. By taking the necessary steps, one can void future pitfalls and experience a smooth and sweet hosting experience. As a platform that prioritises host protection, Airbnb provides more information on protecting property, you can learn about their policies here.