Reducing Risks through Full Disclosure Marketing

As stay-at-home orders begin to lift, many property owners are preparing their vacation rental properties for guests. Staying transparent to your customer and showcasing the protective actions taken at your property will be a crucial marketing strategy moving forward. Highlighting how you clean your vacation rental and the precautions you take to provide a safe and secure environment should be detailed in your listing.

Here are a few tips to help mitigate potential incidents from occurring and ways to inform guest on how to use household items to improve their overall stay.

Be Transparent in Your Listing

Now more than ever, you need to be accurate and transparent in your vacation rental description. Paint a full picture of what staying at your property is like and the cleaning measures you are taking in light of COVID-19. Detailed information about how often the property is cleaned, how often linens are washed, and what products you are using will be the top priority and what guests want to know. Never mislead potential travelers; it will likely result in negative reviews, preventing other guests from selecting your property.

Just like Fred Barnard’s famous saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words,” it can also be worth the cost of a potential guest booking your property. Avoid this by including high-quality, current images of your beautiful space in your listing. Additionally, posting pictures of your cleaning staff will go a long way to helping them feel safe.

Good images do not lie; learn how to capture strong and enticing photos from our interview with Jill Stuefer. According to Airbnb, properties with professional images in their listing are likely to earn 40% more guests, acquire bookings more often and obtain a higher charge rate per night. Showcasing high-quality images not only helps market your vacation rental, but also assist you in the event that an insurance claim becomes necessary.

Vacation Rental Amenities Come with Risk

When you own a vacation rental home and have strangers staying on the premises, any number of things could go wrong. You probably invested a lot of money into the structure, furniture, electronics, and appliances. Many short-term property owners also provide amenities like hot tubs, saunas, watercraft, and exercise equipment. You know how to operate these things, but will your guests know how to safely do so?

If a guest uses an appliance, electronic device, or amenity improperly, you face the risk of financial losses due to property damage. There’s also a risk that a guest will become injured, meaning you could be on the hook for their medical expenses and face a personal injury lawsuit. Purchasing vacation rental insurance can provide a safety net to limit a property owner’s risk of loss. You can also mitigate your risk by providing detailed step-by-step instructions for vacationers on how to use the items in your rental property.

Show Guests How to Properly Operate Amenities

Do you have a hot tub, sauna, fireplace, or specialized electronics like stereo equipment? If so, consider creating and posting instructions for your guests so they know how to properly use the equipment. Taking this extra guest-friendly step will make them more comfortable using amenities and appliances when there is an informative guide directing them. Posting instructions and tips can also prevent property losses and injuries stemming from improper use of equipment.

Gather all instructions and helpful property information in one book. Include everything from kitchen rules, coffee maker instructions, laundry directions, and hot tub how-tos. Don’t let your guests assume how certain pieces of equipment work … give them a detailed guide. Leave nothing for the imagination when describing items that could be difficult to use. It’s also important to include a safety plan with emergency contact information.

Respond to Reviews

Many people heavily rely on reviews to determine which property they select. Reach out to previous guests and encourage them to leave you an honest review. If someone happens to leave you a negative comment, respond and answer how their problem or complaint was addressed. Potential guests will feel a sense of relief reading reviews about your space and how you have handled issues. It shows you care about them and want to give them the best stay possible. 

Preventive Measures + Vacation Rental Insurance = Extra Peace of Mind

Remember, building trust is the key for turning a traveler into a confirmed, booked guest. Owning a vacation rental property comes with risks, but you can help eliminate risks by taking preventive measures and purchasing insurance coverage. However, don’t simply assume your existing insurance coverage will protect you from losses related to short-term vacation rental activity. Insuring your vacation rental home through CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance can give you extra peace of mind. If damage or injuries occur, you have insurance protection to help pay for losses. 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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