Tips for Managing Your Vacation Rental Remotely

With COVID cases on the rise again, remote work is a new normal for many. For short-term rental owners, working remotely or in a different state than your property can be a difficult task. Cleaning, communicating with guests and handling onsite problems are all tasks owners have to keep in mind when not on the premises. To help keep your rental business running smoothly, we compiled a list of seven tips for successful remote management.

Seven Steps for Managing Your Remote Short-term Rental Property

1. Keep Information Up-to-Date

It’s always wise to regularly update your website, listing information, social media and any welcome-book information. It helps keep everyone current with any news about your property.

Make sure to provide your action plan for handling COVID and what you are doing to combat the spread. Highlight your cleaning process, if you offer contactless check-ins and any additional PPE you provide for your guests. Ensuring you are doing what you can to keep your property safe is one of the best ways to make your guests feel comfortable and valued.

2. Communicate with Guests

Good communication with your guests before, during and after their stay is essential. Though you may not be in the immediate area, let them know you are always there to help. You can send them an email prior to their arrival with your contact information and list it in your welcome booklet.

Don’t forget to provide them with an emergency point of contact during their stay as well. This contact could be a property manager, neighbor or reliable friend.

3. Home Automation Systems

Employing smart-tech tools, such as app-controlled thermometers, home security cameras, leak detectors and digital locks, makes it easier to control your property remotely. Utilize smart technology whenever you can.

Switching your lights to smart lighting can help ease your mind when guests leave. They may not have turned off lights, leading to a hefty electricity bill.

Sound control can also be worrisome for short-term vacation rental owners. Apps like NoiseAware will inform you if your guests are being too loud. This can help detect if there is a party being thrown or if there is a larger group present than the set limit. For more smart-tech tools, check out our blog post here!

4. Home Security

Knowing your vacation rental property is safe and secure is one of the best feelings an owner can have. Whether your property is full of people or vacant for weeks, it’s wise to have some sort of home security while you are remote. Alarms, surveillance security cameras and motion light detectors are all strong contenders to help reduce the risk of a break-in or suspicious activity.

5. Hire a Cleaning Service

It’s no secret that having a clean home is a difficult task when remote . . . not to mention the time it takes to achieve a spotless and germ-free home.

Hiring a cleaning crew can help relieve this major stress. Make sure to do your research before hiring a crew. Not all companies operate the same nor do they clean the same. Express your concerns and pinpoint major items that need to be cleaned after each stay.

6. Look into a Property Manager

Property managers ensure the property is well cared for, clean and stocked with household supplies, and that everything runs smoothly for your guests. They are excellent at handling plumbing emergencies, appliance malfunctions and other unexpected issues.

Some property management companies can also handle all of the details related to handling bookings, inquiries, payments, purchases, taxes, fees and even renewal of vacation rental insurance. Conduct research on a few different property managers or management companies to find the best fit for your business.

7. Invest in Good Insurance

Having the correct coverage can help resolve many worries that accompany owning a vacation rental property. To learn more about protecting your vacation rental business through CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance,  request a free quote today!

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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