Home rentals are all the rage. People have always purchased properties to rent out for years at a time, but platforms like airbnb, among others, now make it easy to cash in even for short-term stays. It’s easy to see why people are jumping onboard. The process is quite simple, and you can bring in some real revenue depending upon location and availability.
But whether you have a dedicated location that you are renting continually or just making your main residence available when you’re out of town, there are a few guidelines that you should follow. Some are quite obvious: keep it clean, ensure the renter has access when they arrive, and be available to quickly address any issues.
On top of these must-do’s, however, there are a few aspects of being good residential managers that sometimes slip through the cracks. So before you welcome any guests, make sure not to overlook these three areas.
1. Stocking the Basics
On a short stay, your guests won’t need much. But you should have some extra pillows, sheets, and towels available. Nobody will expect you to have turn-down service and change the linens every night, but some spares should be ready if the guests need them.
The same goes for the kitchen, bathroom, and cleaning cabinet. Have staples like salt, pepper, olive oil, ketchup, and sugar stocked up as well as some basic pots, pans, and cooking utensils. You don’t have to outfit the kitchen for Martha Stewart, but people often avoid hotels so they can eat healthier and cheaper while away. Make sure simple cooking is easy to do.
In the bathroom, you’ll need plenty of extra toilet paper, soap, shampoo, and toothpaste. Many people will bring their own, but it’s courteous to have some around. And, for cleaning up, you also need to keep a surplus of paper towels, sponges, dish soap, cleaning spray, and laundry detergent (if there is a washer).
2. Connectivity and Communication
In this day and age, connectivity is crucial and an expectation for all visitors. So you will need to grant guest access to the WiFi network. This is a better option rather than just handing out the main network password because it helps make sure your personal information will remain better protected while guests are staying in your home.
Unlike the internet, most guests won’t really need or expect to have a landline in the home. But it’s still probably best to have one available if you don’t already. Chances are, visitors will stick to their personal mobile devices, but you never know when they might need to contact the police or fire department in an emergency. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
3. Leave Instructions
Lastly, it is very important to leave written, detailed instructions about all aspects of the property along with any rules and requirements for the stay. Some renters are tempted to just explain things over the phone on an introductory call. But this leaves things up to interpretation, and miscommunications will happen.
Moreover, people will want these key references in front of them. How do they adjust the thermostat? What is the WiFi password? What number do they call in an emergency? Where is the nearest hospital? Jot it all down and leave it out in an obvious location.
Along with the necessary info, it is also nice to include some helpful tips. Where are some good nearby restaurants? How can they access public transportation? Is there a good local grocery store? What are some top sights to see? Anything you can do to make a traveler’s trip more fulfilling and hassle-free, as a rule, will be appreciated.
Being a Great Host
Renting out a home — for months, weeks, or even days — can be a rewarding way to bring in some side income. So people even turn it into a whole career. But no matter whether you are a veteran or just starting out, there are a few key guidelines to follow.
Make sure guests have all the basics they need in the property. Give them guest access to the WiFi network. And leave out some clear, but thorough, notes about any key pieces of information they need to know.
There will always be other little things you can do and more tips you will pick up along the way. But if you just get these top-line items taken care of, you will be able to make sure your guests have a great stay.
