It's astonishing that over 269 million people visit California each year, according to Visit California.
Lots of these tourists flock to gorgeous places like Mission Viejo. Running a vacation rental business here can be wonderful, but safety needs to be a top priority.
How can you keep your Mission Viejo property safe? Read on for our full guide on screening guests for vacation rentals.
Do Verify Identity
Rental guest verification is important to ensure the person booking your vacation rental is who they say they are. Ask for a government-issued ID, such as a driver's license or passport. Most reputable booking platforms have a built-in verification system, but it doesn't hurt to double-check.
Do Communicate Clearly
Send a welcome message and ask questions about the purpose of their stay. Friendly communication also gives you a sense of the guests' personalities and intentions.
Do Set Clear Rules
Before a guest finalizes their booking, share your house rules. This will let guests know what is expected during their stay and filter out those who might break the rules.
Do Check Reviews
If the guest has used vacation rentals before, reviews from previous hosts can tell you a lot. Positive reviews signal the guest is respectful and follows house rules.
Do Request a Security Deposit
If a guest damages something during their stay, the deposit can cover part or all of the cost. It also encourages guests to treat your property with care.
Do Use a Booking Platform with Guest Screening Tools
Many online booking platforms offer built-in guest screening tools. These platforms can help with verifying guest identity and provide insurance options. Using these tools is an easy way to increase safety in vacation rentals.
Don't Skip the Guest Vetting Process
Never skip steps just to fill an empty slot in your calendar. Doing so can lead to problems later. Always take the time to check reviews, communicate with guests, and verify their identity.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
Common red flags include a refusal to provide ID, vague answers about the purpose of their stay, or guests who want to book outside the booking platform. It's good to trust your feelings, but also use clear data from your guest verification steps to make informed decisions.
Don't Overlook Your Own Safety
If a guest wants to meet in person before booking, it's okay to say no. Only communicate with guests through secure booking platforms and never share sensitive details like your home address or phone number before booking is confirmed.
Don't Forget to Update Your Screening Process
The guest vetting process should not remain static. Keep it updated to reflect any changes or new concerns that arise. For example, if you notice a pattern in past incidents, adjust your screening to prevent similar problems.
Do You Need Help Screening Guests for Vacation Rentals?
Screening guests for vacation rentals well can save you from all kinds of nightmares. Using these host screening tips will keep your vacation rental business safe and lucrative.
Would you love to simplify your Mission Viejo vacation rental business? Contact PMI Mission Viejo to discuss how our short-term property management solutions can help. Our team has been awarded "Best Property Management Company" twice.
