The Best Home Security Practices for Airbnb Hosts
Airbnb is a great platform for homeowners to rent their properties out to tourists and those people who are looking for a short to mid-term property solution to live in for work or other purposes. It revolutionised the travel industry when it first emerged as a viable platform for those booking travel and accommodations, but for the homeowners there are a few important factors to consider, including the safety of the property. Ensuring that there are suitable home security systems installed is vital for a few reasons, including your home insurance, regulations linked to the industry, and building a good reputation that attracts new people to the property in the future.
We’ve broken down a few of the home security practices that are perfect for Airbnb hosts.
Establish house rules
Before you list your property on Airbnb it is important that you establish the house rules. What do you want from your guests and what do you not want them to do? Inform guests about your expectations of them and the guidelines for the house. This could be that you don’t accept pets, that it is a non-smoking property, or that one particular room is out of bounds, as a few examples. Make the guidelines clear to guests and communicate directly with them as soon as they have booked to stay. Communication is key to being a good Airbnb host with robust security protocols, allowing both sides to have access to each other when required. Good communication maintains a conversation in one place, which can be achieved through Airbnb’s messaging function.
Invest in a home security system
The best thing that you can do to maintain good home security practices at your Airbnb property is to invest in home security devices and an overall system that functions well. With a good security system, you will have a better chance to monitor activity in and around the property, utilising technological advancement within a range of associated home security products.
Smart doorbells and locks
The future of home security comes in the form of smart technology, connecting a range of devices to the overall system that you have installed at your property. Smart doorbell cameras and smart locks are two of the best, securing outdoor sections of your Airbnb property, looking out for any suspicious activity around the perimeter of the home and restricting access to any person who is not a guest, from any location, with smart locks.
CCTV and remote monitoring of property
You cannot monitor the inside of the property when guests are present, especially bathrooms and bedrooms, due to privacy issues, but this shouldn’t prevent you from installing CCTV as another way of securing the outside of the property and ensuring it is as safe as possible from potential break-ins. Remote security monitoring tools allow you to address any potential threats to security and keep your guests safe in the process, but without invading their privacy to do so.
Motion and noise detection alarms
It’s important that your guests adhere to your rules and look after the property whilst they are staying. On top of that they must not disturb the neighbours. A noise monitor allows you to keep abreast of any potential noise disturbances that your guests might be creating. Motion sensors on the pathway and entrance to the property trigger lights, which in turn allow you to monitor ins and outs for security purposes, but also reduces risks of tripping hazards which help to keep your guests safe.
Always ask for a security deposit
A big thing for Airbnb hosts is to ask for a security deposit upon booking. This helps to protect you financially, covering the cost of any breakages and damages that occur during the stay and going towards the cost of security systems. If you decide to ask for a security deposit, always be clear and upfront with guests, posting the requirement on your listing.
Simple guest communication platforms
Last, ensure that everything you do is clear, and that communication is kept open with your guests. We’ve mentioned already during the initial booking process to use Airbnb’s messaging service, but whatever you choose as the method of communicating with your guests, make sure it is through a platform that you trust and where guests feel comfortable contacting you if they need to. The best Airbnb hosts are those that don’t need to get in touch but are available if there is a security concern or any other issues that arise during a stay.
These are just a few of the best home security practices for Airbnb hosts, ensuring that the property is secured and well-monitored, boosting the safety of the property but also looking after your guests. When installing a home security system at your Airbnb property, look for a reputable company that can deliver the latest technology and systems that will give you peace of mind.
