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How to Keep Your Short-Term Rental Safe From Rowdy Guests

October 6, 2023

As an Airbnb host, Vrbo host, or vacation rental host, you’ve probably experienced guests who are loud, obnoxious, or just plain rowdy at one point or another. You may have also faced the risk of damage to your property or complaints from neighbors. While, thankfully, rowdy guests are not the norm when hosting your Airbnb, Vrbo, or vacation rental, there are several ways to keep your short-term rental safe from these types of guests. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best strategies to handle rowdy guests and minimize risks.

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Screen Guests Before Accepting Their Reservation

One of the best ways to avoid having rowdy guests in your short-term rental is by screening them early on in the booking process. Before accepting a reservation, make sure to verify the guest’s identity, read their previous reviews, and ask them some questions about their trip. If you feel uneasy about a guest, trust your instincts and decline the reservation. It’s better to lose a booking than to endure weeks of stress from dealing with unruly guests.

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Set Clear Rules and Expectations

Make sure that your short-term rental rules and expectations are clear and easy to understand. Communicate them early and often, and make sure that your guests know what behavior is acceptable and what is not. Some rules you may want to consider include:

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Quiet hours after a certain time
No parties or gatherings
No smoking or drug use
Restricted access to certain areas of the property

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By setting clear expectations, you can reduce the likelihood of guests acting out or doing things that could cause damage to your property.

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Invest in Security Measures

Another way to keep your short-term rental safe from rowdy guests is by investing in security measures. This could include upgrading your locks, installing a security camera system, or even hiring security personnel to monitor your property. While these measures may cost money upfront, they can ultimately save you time, money, and stress in the long run.

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Address Problems Quickly and Assertively

Despite your best efforts, you may still encounter some rowdy guests. If this happens, it’s essential to take action quickly and assertively. Listen to any complaints or concerns from neighbors or other guests and respond accordingly. Depending on the situation, you may need to ask the guests to leave immediately or remind them of the rules and expectations.

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Review Your Insurance Coverage

Finally, it’s important to review your insurance coverage to make sure that you have adequate protection in case of property damage or liability claims. Check with your insurance provider to see if they offer coverage for short-term rentals or if you need to purchase a separate policy. Having the right insurance in place can provide you with peace of mind and protect you from financial losses.

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As a short-term rental host, dealing with rowdy guests can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. By following these strategies, you can reduce the risk of damage to your property and keep your guests and neighbors happy. Remember to screen your guests early on, set clear expectations, invest in security measures, address problems quickly, and review your insurance coverage. With these tips in mind, you can create a safe and enjoyable experience for all who stay at your short-term rental.

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