A staggering 60 million guests stayed in vacation rentals in 2022, which means there will always be a handful of difficult ones to deal with.
Understanding the dos and don'ts of screening guests is key to protecting your property and turning a profit. But if you're new to the world of vacation rentals, knowing what to do can feel overwhelming. Maybe that's why you're here; you want to learn how to screen guests and need expert advice.
Sounds like your situation? Luckily, we've got the answers you're searching for. Here are the dos and don'ts for screening guests for vacation rentals.
Do Hire a Property Management Company
Before you establish a rental agreement with a guest, you should seek advice from a property management company. These professionals often have the tools to conduct a thorough background check to learn about the prospect's rental history and whether there have been any issues.
If you're unsure how to find one, run an online search for services in your area and they'll get started.
Don't Ignore ID Verification
A major no-no is not asking guests for ID verification. This simple step will protect your property in case of an emergency. For instance, if the guests damage an item or receive noise complaints from neighbors, you can hand over the ID to the local police.
Do Screen Guests on Social Media
An important tip is to always screen prospective guests on social media. Look out for rowdy photos on their pages, such as Instagram and Facebook. You should also check out other rental sites to see what hosts are saying about their guest experience.
If anything looks awry or there are reoccurring negative comments, don't be afraid to reject them as it's not worth the risk.
Don't Accept One-Night Bookings
Landlords should steer away from one-night bookings.
Although it may not always be a disaster, there is a chance that these fleeting travelers could cause trouble. For instance, they may have planned a party at your property and will leave with no repercussions. This is especially suspicious if the guest books it on a Friday or Saturday.
You should ask guests how many are in a group. It's no problem if it's a family with children, but if there are multiple unrelated adults, they could take advantage of your property.
Also, be mindful of when the guest books your vacation home. This will give you less time to perform a proper background check and you may overlook a flagged issue, especially if they check in and out quickly.
Top Tips for Screening Guests for Vacation Rentals
Now that you know your tips for screening guests for vacation rentals, it's time to get started.
There are many useful tricks to take on board, such as hiring a property management company and screening guests' social media accounts. Landlords should also avoid one-night bookings and always ask for proof of ID. Good luck!
If you need help screening guests, we'd love to help. Contact PMI Coastal GA and we'll do the heavy lifting.
