CBIZ Vacation Rental Insurance Blog

While we’re nearing the end of “hurricane” season, with climate change and more active weather patterns, it can last longer or begin earlier. Therefore, you, your family and your guests need to be prepared when a hurricane strikes. Use the following guidance to stay safe and limit potential damage in the event of a hurricane.

Owning and operating a short-term rental property can be rewarding. However, owners have to manage numerous exposures related to lodging, and many offer amenities that can dramatically increase the number of risks. Assessing your exposures and taking the appropriate precautions can go a long way toward protecting your business.

The reality of renting out your home to guests is that vacation renters can, and often do, sue property owners and managers. When guests feel they’ve been harmed by the property owner’s or manager’s actions or negligence, they might find that their only recourse is to take a property owner to court. Those expenses can add up quickly. In addition, there’s the stress of wondering how you will pay a judgment if one is ordered. Without adequate coverage, your business and your personal assets could be at risk.

Short-term rental hosts are allowed to use various surveillance devices to protect their property as long as they are disclosed in the listings, including on Airbnb and VRBO and other vacation rental booking sites. Further, while not forbidden on the exterior of the property, they are prohibited in private spaces, such as bedrooms, bathrooms and other sleeping areas. Here are a few security measures you can take to protect your short-term rental.

Phishing attacks are constantly evolving in order to capitalize on our information. Phishing is the fraudulent practice of sending emails claiming to be from reputable companies to induce individuals to reveal personal information. As hackers get better and better at their game, it’s important to know how to spot a suspicious email to help your vacation rental business avoid a cyber breach.

The last thing you want your guests to be thinking about when they walk into your vacation rental property is their safety. You want your guests to know that they are protected and safe at all costs. As a short-term vacation rental property owner, you also want to do everything in your control to make their experience one to remember for the right reasons.

Becoming a short-term rental owner can be a great way to earn extra money. However, property owners sometimes do not consider the potential risks that can come with owning a vacation rental business.

When starting a vacation rental business, there are many things you have to consider. Though it’s an exciting and profitable business, it constantly needs care and must operate like a traditional business. To help reduce the chance of headaches you may have when starting out, we’ve compiled our best tips for getting started on the right foot.

With a little planning and holiday magic, you can maximize your vacation bookings and entice holiday travelers to return year after year. Here are four tips to make your vacation rental stand out and worthy of five-star reviews. 

’Tis the season to be on the lookout for common holiday hazards at your vacation rental. No one wants to be on Santa’s naughty list when you can easily avoid these potential problems. The holidays can be overwhelming with so much to do and so little time, and it’s easy to overlook basic rental risks. Set aside a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle to prepare your property for hazards and remind your guests to take safety precautions seriously.