Renting out your property is a great way to generate passive income for you and your family. Vacation rental websites have been on the internet for ages, but it was not until 2007 when peer-to-peer property rental became popular. Now, everyone can easily offer their houses for rent while they go on holiday or a long trip.
Although most vacation rental companies offer strong protection policies for hosts, it is completely understandable to take security matters into your own hands to protect your property and everything inside it. After all, we want our guests to feel at home, but we also want them to understand the house rules when they stay at our place.
Here are some tips that can get you started to secure your property before you rent it to vacationers. Make use of these basic steps and you will be a great host in no time!
Guard your letters
If you rent your house during the holidays, there is a huge chance of your letters falling to the wrong hands and this may result in identity theft.
Before leaving your house to your guests, it is better to check your mailbox lock. However, if your house is not equipped with a mailbox or if the mailbox doesn’t work, consider renting a PO Box where you can redirect all your letters while your property is occupied by someone else.
Screen your own guests
Your property belongs to you, so you have the right to do a background check on people who requests to book your space. Plan some time to go through their social media profiles and other related accounts. Moreover, it is a good idea to talk personally with the booker via the built-in chat application to know more about their purpose of visit. Be a nice host by recommending interesting places to visit in your neighbourhoods, such as the farmers market or a popular breakfast joint.
After doing your review, go with your gut. If their story doesn’t match or if you find something wrong in their background check, simply decline their request.
