Have you been thinking about renting out your house, or becoming an Airbnb host? It can be a great way to make a little extra money on the side if you have a property that you aren’t using year round, or simply want to host guests in your own home. Airbnb is perfect for travelers who want to get to know a city and live like the locals do. There are a few risks involved with becoming an Airbnb host, but we have a list of security tips to help you get started!
1. Proper Insurance
Before you list your home on Airbnb’s website, you should look into the proper insurance to fit your needs. Airbnb has a Host Protection Service that insures hosts up to $1 million dollars in damages, however it’s limited as to what it covers. Your insurance provider will be able to help you find the best policy that has the most coverage and protection for your needs.
2. Proper Security System
Installing the appropriate home security system will not only allow you to monitor what is going on in your home while your guests are staying there, but also gives you the added protection you may need when allowing strangers into your home. As an added benefit, home alarm monitoring may give you a leg up against your competitors because it gives your guests the peace of mind they need while staying in a place that is foreign to them.
3. Connect with Your Guests
Once you finally list your house on Airbnb’s website, it allows you to message back and forth with your potential guests, and to answer any questions they have about your home. This is the perfect time to make some personal connections with your guests and gain some knowledge into the needs of the people staying in your home. If at any time you do not feel safe, or something feels even slightly off, you are able to decline a reservation. Trust your instincts when it comes to renting—your home is a place that you should feel most safe.
4. Establish House Rules
Upon meeting your guests, establish rules that you have for you home. For example, you may not want your guests to enter a certain room, smoke in the house, or make excessive noise after a certain time. Some hosts even create manuals for their homes that gives their guests things like emergency information, security features in the house, and what the home should look like upon departure. Be clear with your expectations so your guests can understand and respect your rules.
Your Safety is Most Important
We believe that your safety and security is valuable and we want you to have the peace of mind that you need. If you are currently renting out your house, or are simply researching the benefits of Airbnb (or a similar service), we highly suggest that you have the proper security system installed in your home to keep you and your assets as safe as possible.