Creative Time-Saving Tips for Vacation Rental Owners

Are your vacation rental responsibilities taking over your life? While many dive into this industry with the promise of creating effortless income, the hustle that comes with renting out a property can be inundating. The art of saving time when running your vacation rental business requires one thing — being one step ahead. Here are our top five tips to help you avoid feeling overwhelmed and anxious.  

Tip #1: Have a Thorough Guest Welcome Book

A well-thought-out and detailed welcome book with all instructions and property information in one place will spare you from answering the same questions over and over again. Include everything from kitchen rules and coffee maker instructions to contact information and laundry directions. Go beyond the basic questions people may have and get specific! Refer to your previous guests and see what questions they had. Could they work your shower? Were they able to change the thermostat?

You may be able to avoid panicked phone calls or emails from your guests by writing down where everything is and how to use certain appliances. Even though creating a good welcome book will take some time, it’s an essential tool. Try looking on sites like Etsy or Pinterest for a downloadable template to help get you started. Once you’ve made your welcome book, reach out to a friend or another vacation rental host to read through your book to make sure it’s easy to understand.

Tip #2: Screen Your Guests

Having a difficult guest can hold you back and put a large dent in your business. Before accepting the booking, read their reviews! This is equally important as the reviews about your listing; it could save you from noisy guests or at least make you more aware of the type of person you’re receiving. If there are any major red flags, they’re usually easy to spot when scrolling through the reviews hosts have left about the guest. If a potential guest has a negative review and you’re interested in learning more about it before accepting, you can always reach out to ask them to clarify what happened. Communication helps you learn about your potential guest.

Tip #3: Be Proactive

Mark Twain said it best, “The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small, manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” If you notice things that need to be repaired around your property, do not hold off on doing them. Waiting can lead to severe damage, loss of income and lost bookings. Failure to handle items that need maintenance can loom over your business for a long time, especially if someone leaves a review saying something didn’t work. When a problem is discovered, be proactive in finding a handyman or fixing it yourself.

Tip #4: Automate to Save Time

Business automation refers to technology that businesses can use to perform certain tasks, so you don’t have to perform them manually. A great example of automated technology is smart devices. While you’ve probably heard of Amazon’s Alexa, did you know that you can install smart thermostats, water leak sensors, noise sensors, smart locks and smart lights at your vacation rental? You can even automate guest check-in and messages! The options for automated technology are endless. Smart lighting, for example, gives you the benefit of being able to check and turn off lights that were left on when your guests vacate. It also allows you to leave lights on when you don’t have a home full of guests to give the appearance of someone at home. 

At the tip of your fingers, smart devices allow you to operate your property from afar and stay contactless. Not only do they provide convenience for remote management but also can save you money and increase profits in the long run. 

Tip #5: Secure the Correct Insurance Coverage

No matter if you rent your property a few times a year or if your months are jampacked with bookings, wrap your rental in a shield of preparedness. Outsmart sneaky surprises with CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance. For more business safety guidance and rental property insurance solutions, 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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