Crucial Safety Measures to Consider for Vacation Rentals – Hometown Focus

Holidays have changed dramatically over the past few decades. Social media has opened doors to new places, as millions of people are enticed to visit places they first glimpsed through platforms like Instagram. But it’s not just where people go that has changed, but also where they rest their heads when they arrive at their destination.

The online vacation rental market has no shortage of inventory as popular websites like Vrbo and Airbnb continue to attract owners and renters. Landowners may want to consider using a house or apartment to generate extra cash. According to Alltherooms.com, the average annual income of hosts on Airbnb in North America exceeded $41,000 in 2021. This income is remarkable, and is undoubtedly one of the reasons why Airbnb said it added more of one million active ads in 2023.

Homeowners should consider the pros and cons of offering homes through a vacation rental service. Those who decide to move forward can take the following steps as they prepare to offer their properties as vacation rentals.

Hire a building inspector. A certified home inspector is typically hired when individuals enter into a contract to purchase a home, but these trained professionals can be just as helpful when preparing to offer a property for rental.

Certified and experienced professionals can identify any potential problems or safety issues with a home that could cause problems when renting a home later. Address any safety or structural issues with a property before offering it through a rental service.

Install new security devices. New smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, locks on exterior doors and other security devices should be upgraded before renting a property. Between each rental, test the batteries of alarms and detectors to ensure that each device is operating at its maximum capacity.

A new security system with external cameras can also reassure potential tenants that a property is safe. Remote locks that provide keyless access to a home are another improvement that can make it easier for guests and tenants to access a property.

Do your insurance homework. Existing homeowners insurance coverage likely will not apply when renting a home as a vacation property. Before renting out a property, confirm with your home insurance company what coverage you need to ensure you are protected when renting a house or apartment. Liability and accidental damage coverage are two of the many variables potential hosts need to consider.

Keep emergency supplies on site. A fully stocked first aid kit, working fire extinguishers (more than one), and a list of contact information for local emergency responders (i.e. police department, fire department, nearest hospital , etc.) must be easily accessible to tenants. Check supplies before each new group of tenants access the property and restock as necessary.