Share
/ Blog / Staying Safe: 5 Tips for Safe Vacation Rentals

Staying Safe: 5 Tips for Safe Vacation Rentals

Trust is given more often than we’d like to admit. We’d all like to think we are discerning and cautious, unlikely to get caught out. But, by booking a vacation rental you’re trusting your holiday, you security and your safety to a stranger, based on a few loose reviews and their ability to maintain a website. Plus, as a manager, you’re entrusting your biggest investment to a handful of random people, often heading back to another country at any time. Whilst problems are rare, what’s to stop a running tap ruining a fresh carpet or someone thudding a socket wrench into the side of your boiler, just for the feeling? Being clear and profession about how you keep your guests and property safe is key to getting bookings. Plus, it means that your property is more likely to remain in perfect condition.

4606025881_67549403ce_o

Here’s 5 ways you can help your guests stay safe in your property:

Smoke Detectors
This should go without saying, but well-maintained smoke alarms are a must for any property, especially when you have the responsibility of looking after members of the public. Check each one every three months and replace the batteries every six to be safe. You can protect your guests and keep your property safe from fire during periods when it’s unoccupied.

Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Odorless. Colourless. Tasteless. Lethal. Carbon monoxide is a serious concern. It’s caused by fuel not burning properly so it can be caused by fireplaces, stoves and burners as well as regular household items like clothes dryers. Most homes have a potential source of carbon monoxide. Have one on each floor and check them regularly. You can get detectors that sound an alarm when the monoxide levels reach a potentially dangerous levels meaning you have peace of mind and safety with just one bit of equipment.

Fire Escape Route
This is especially important for larger, multi-story properties. Have a route planned just in case a fire ever breaks out. This is especially important if your building doesn’t have a designated fire escape. Older buildings will not have been built with the same fire precautions as we expect today so having a mapped out route in case of fire will help guests avoid making any wrong turns in case of an emergency.

Emergency Numbers
It can seem like common knowledge but in a moment of panic, just having the numbers you need will be vital. Most countries use a slightly different emergency numbers so this information is crucial for overseas guests. As well as the emergency services, just having a number that your guests can contact you on in case of a more domestic style emergency, like a burst pipe or blown fuse, is tremendously reassuring.

Valves
Let your guests know where they can turn the gas and water off should they ever need to. A leak, particularly gas needs to be stopped as soon as possible. A leaking pipe left unattended can also cause damp and mould to creep up your walls. Just having the details of the property, such as the location of these valves, means a problem doesn’t have to become a disaster.

Planning ahead and taking some precautions means you can avoid disasters. You don’t need to deliver a 45 minute lecture on every check-in, but having this information written down, available, and pointing it out to guests just lets them know that there is a professional in charge of their stay and their safety in your property. It’s similar to the assurance of having the staff in the hotel available should anything go wrong. Safety is a major concern for guests, as inadvertent property damage is for property owners. Taking a few precautions just means you’re that bit less likely to ever have a situation with a guest or a problem with your property.

Photo Credit

Contact Sales