Rental websites like AirBNB are becoming the norm when it comes to travel lodgings. The ‘sharing economy’, as it is known, has exploded in the past few years. AirBNB and other travel sharing options have grown to have more annual stays than some popular hotel chains.

The premise is that hosts rent out their home or Property for a number of nights to travelers, similar to a hotel. Security becomes a concern because essentially, these hosts are allowing strangers to stay in their home or on their personal property without supervision. This can pose a number of security risks, such as theft, illegal activities, or future break-ins.

There are a number of security precautions that AirBNB hosts, and other rental hosts, can take to ensure that their property, home, and guests are kept safe.

Security Tips for AirBNB Hosts

Verified Response

When you have guests in your home for only a few days at a time, it’s very likely that they will have widely varying behaviour, accidents can happen, and they will not be used to your security system or features. It’s very easy for a guest to accidentally trigger an alarm system with a false alarm.

If you have Verified Response integrated into your systems, you don’t have to worry about unnecessary security alerts, false alarms, or unneeded police response to your property when you are not there. You can have the peace of mind that if an alarm is triggered, the monitoring station can manually verify if it is a false alarm or not and let you know if any further action needs to be taken. Less stress for the host!

Access Control

If you’re an AirBNB host, electronic access control systems are essential for long term security. You have complete control with this type of system. You can generate a new access key for each guest and immediately revoke access at the agreed upon time so they cannot overstay. This way, you know that each of your guests will be safe and there will be no overlap. You also have the peace of mind that none of your guests will be able to overstay their welcome or come back unannounced at a later time.

If you are still using old fashioned keys for your rental property, guests can make copies of these, steal them, or give them away and access your property any time they like. Prevent this security risk with access control systems.

Perimeter CCTV

Depending on the size of the home and location of the property, some hosts opt for perimeter CCTV to monitor the goings and comings of their guests. This is particularly common for hosts renting out large houses for many guests, to ensure that there are no large parties, unwelcome guests, or illegal activities. Having CCTV by the front, back, or side doors, as well as in a backyard or patio space, can allow you to verify the guests that are coming in and staying in your home and give you peace of mind that only people you have approved are staying there.

Often, there is an extra fee per guest when booking a large number of guests. Some people will try to get around this by ‘underestimating’ how many guests will be staying. They tell the host only 4, when really it will be 8 to avoid paying extra fees. With CCTV, you’ll be able to verify who is coming and going and if it is the number that was agreed upon.

Remote Access

All of the security features available for AirBNB hosts are made that much more accessible and convenient by remote access. mySonitrol, our mobile app, gives you complete access to all your systems, alerts, and control. You can revoke access control, monitor your cameras, and receive security alerts on your phone no matter where you are. This means you’re always in the loop, even if your rental property is miles away.

Contact Sonitrol

At Sonitrol, we specialize in security features that are perfect for AirBNB and other rental property hosts. Our Verified Response, mySonitrol app, and integrated security systems give you the control you need while renting out your property to travelers.

If you’re thinking of renting our your property, contact Sonitrol. We can help you find the security features that will keep you, your property, and your guests safe. Contact us today!

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