CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance Blog

With Halloween around the corner, things can get a little spooky. Don’t let your property be a trick in a world of treats! Follow these simple do's and don'ts to make your vacation rental the (candy) apple of every guest's eye!

Heading to the pumpkin patch in the fall and unearthing the perfect pumpkin is a selective process. Much thought goes into what characteristics you are wanting in a pumpkin and how it might be used. The same goes for when vacationers are selecting a vacation rental property. Whether it is a large, lavish home or a small glamorous rental, finding the perfect fit is like finding the ultimate pumpkin in a field of many. 

When you own a seasonal vacation rental property, the steps you take to prepare it for the off-season matter. Simple actions can help ensure your property is in peak rental condition when your busy season begins again, so you are less likely to have to deal with unplanned downtime on your rental calendar. Here are some handy tips for winterizing your property and precautions that minimize theft or vandalism when it is not in use. 

Owning a vacation rental property can be a rewarding source of extra revenue for you. However, if the property you rent out is geographically distant from your home, it can be almost impossible to ensure it is maintained to your standards or to handle emergency situations on the premises without a local property manager there to provide hands-on support.

Disinfecting your property can be a lot of work, especially when you are also running a business. Constantly washing linens, vacuuming, and sanitizing the fridge may be draining both physically and mentally. To help lighten your load, we at CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance put together a list of helpful housekeeping tips for before guest arrival, during their stay, and after they depart.

Fall not only offers some of the best outdoor weather, but it can also call for extreme weather concoctions - hurricane season colliding with wildfire threats. This lethal mixture makes it very difficult to plan when the next natural disaster may strike. It’s important to know if your property is located in the states with the highest risk and determine the best coverage to meet the needs of an unforeseen natural disaster. 

Just like judging a book by its cover, a guest formulates an opinion of your vacation rental property the moment they set eyes upon it. That’s why curb appeal needs to be a top priority, making the most positive impact on a potential guest and increasing your home's value. Since its National Curb Appeal month, there is no better time to take a look around your vacation rental property and see how best to beautify and protect your property from hazards.

Technology unlocks more than your vacation rental’s front door; it gives you peace of mind, knowing your property is safe while reducing risks. We put together a list of some popular, smart tech products for your property. Consider installing some of these smart technology devices to run your business more efficiently, eliminate potential risks to your short-term rental and increase your property’s appeal to guests. 

The recreational amenities you offer with your vacation rental property can allow you to charge higher rental costs and may help attract more guests. That’s why it’s important to take every precaution to make sure your amenities are as safe as possible to help avoid accident or injury…. and a liability claim. If your vacation rental has recreational amenities, here are some simple steps you can take to not only keep your renters safe during their stays but also reduce your chances of liability. 

Although you may not be able to reduce the risk of wildfires occurring in your area, there are measures you can take to reduce the risk of your vacation rental property being lost to a wildfire. While no property is fireproof, the goal is not to allow your home to be a fuel source for spreading the fire. Here are some things to consider as you scan your property for potential fire risks.