The short-let accommodation market continues to progress within London. Security is a key aspect when letting your home or property to new guests, here we will discuss security tips for first time Airbnb hosts to consider when listing your property on Airbnb.
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First Time Airbnb Hosts should lock up your valuable possessions
Most short-term lettings run without a hitch, however theft is one of the main concerns for hosts. Items you should consider keeping away from the property include jewellery, important forms of personal documentation like financial statements or passports, artwork and collectibles. You can either keep these items in a secure place like a safe or locked closet. Alternatively if you know you will be away for a longer period than planned you can rent out a secure self-storage unit meaning you will not have to worry about your valuable and sentimental possessions.
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Only use Booking Platforms to collect payments
It is essential for you to carry out all transactions on a booking platform such as Airbnb, Booking.com and HomeAway. Utilising these platforms allows you to safeguard yourself from dealing with potential issues with payment from guests. For example on Airbnb guests have to verify their identification along with authenticating personal details. With Airbnb’s host guarantee you will be covered for up to £600,000, meaning you have assurance in place. Usually when potential guests request to pay away from the booking platforms, this should sound an alarm in your mind about the possibility of a fraudulent booking. For example Airbnb clarify “Airbnb will never ask you to pay off-site or through email. If someone messages you on Airbnb and asks you to contact them off-site to arrange payment details, don’t respond. Report it to us instead.”
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Utilise rental insurance for first time Airbnb hosts
Unfortunately you cannot just rely on Airbnb’s host guarantee, a safe way to proceed is to search for a suitable insurance policy. For example HomeAway do not provide options for compensation other than the optional Security Deposit, therefore we recommend rental insurance that will safeguard you and your property. Typically the optimum rental insurance for short-term policies comprise of income liability, building contents and more. Furthermore you need to consider your personal homeowner insurance, as frequently it will not cover costs and claims in relation to your rental property.
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Ask guests for a security deposit
Requesting your guests for a security deposit is a great way to safeguard against any small incidents that could occur such as a item being broken by accident or pet damage. Airbnb allows hosts to add a security deposit to their listing. Having this in places allows hosts that need to make a claim can recover funds from the security deposit within two weeks of the checkout date. If required Airbnb can act as a mediator and a host can submit to the Airhost guarantee if the total damages amount exceeds the deposit value. However on HomeAway hosts can charge what they wish for a deposit, consequently the platform will not get involved if you need to make a claim surpassing the deposit amount.
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Keep your house manual updated
It has been found that 25% of burglars enter a property through an unlocked door or window. Therefore it is essential to give your guests a manual informing them about the procedures of checking out. For example reminding the guests to close and lock all doors and windows prior to departing.
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