Our security tips before listing your property on Airbnb

You have decided to list your apartment or house for short-term rental on platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, or Booking. You have now joined the ranks of rental hosts! Not only will you be able to help travelers from all over the world create unforgettable memories in your city, but you also have a new source of income to fund your own vacations! Who said you couldn't have your cake and eat it too? However, before listing your property for short-term rental, you scoured the web and came across some stories that cooled your enthusiasm a bit. You are starting to have doubts and wonder if it is really a good idea after all. Can I rent safely?

‍

At Welkeys, we are experts in short-term rental management, and we can assure you that these mishaps occur only on very rare occasions. To address all your concerns, we have put together a handy to-do list. With our expert advice, you can embark on your short-term rental adventure with peace of mind! Ready to go? Grab a pen and paper, or your tablet... Are you ready to take note of our tips?

‍

Tip #1: Out of sight, out of mind

Yes, this old adage is usually used for romance, but after all, your relationship with your home is a love story too. Whether it is your primary or secondary residence, there are bound to be one or two items you cherish. Therefore, we recommend that you keep these items safe and out of reach of your future guests. Your travel souvenirs, your children's first papier-mâché art project, or your crystal glassware—they all hold sentimental value for you.

‍

Even if your guests are as respectful of your belongings as they are of their own, we still advise you to tuck them away. If you don't have enough space at home, you can rent a storage unit at a low cost and in complete security with our partner, Ouistock. Finally, nothing stops you from asking your guests to take care of the Ficus in the living room that you have been lovingly watering for years.

‍

Tip #2: Check your guests' profiles

Travelers can look at your profile and read the reviews left for you, but you can do the same. When you receive a booking, don't hesitate to take a look at their profile. You can see if they have made other bookings and if they generally have good reviews. Most importantly, you can see if your guests' profiles are verified with a valid phone number and social media connections. If their profile isn't verified, you have the right to ask them to complete these steps for security reasons. In any case, trust your gut, and if you have the slightest doubt about a booking, don't accept it. Always keep in mind that you choose who enters your home!

‍

Tip #3: Communicate wisely

Communication is the key to any good relationship. And the relationship with your Airbnb or Vrbo guests is no exception (just like the one with your concierge)! To facilitate this, rental platforms now have very easy-to-use messaging systems. This allows you to learn more about your travelers and set your expectations. We strongly advise you to use the Airbnb, Vrbo, or other platform messaging systems until your guests check in. First, because by staying in contact with your travelers, you will be aware of any potential delays. But also because the messaging system allows you to keep a record of any arrangements made during the booking. Furthermore, by communicating through the internal messaging system, you are protected by Airbnb's Terms of Service as well as the Airbnb Host Guarantee, which can cover up to €800,000. With Vrbo, you can download a rental agreement for your guests to fill out, in which you specify arrival and departure conditions and your house rules.

‍

Tip #4: Inform your guests

For added security, we invite you to provide as much information as possible to your guests. At Welkeys, we have found a very useful tool for this: the Welcome Booklet. In this booklet, you can provide your guests with all the best local tips, great addresses, and useful phone numbers. You can also take the opportunity to introduce yourself and provide a practical guide to your short-term rental. It is a warmer way for you to ask your guests to take care of your property. Explain anything that might be fragile or requires special attention, and remind them to lock the windows and doors whenever they leave!

‍

Tip #5: The more keys, the safer you are!

Once the booking is made, the first question that comes to mind concerns the key handover. At Welkeys, we take the security of your property—and therefore your keys—to heart. We recommend that you always have several sets. If you are not present for check-in or check-out, you can entrust your keys to a trusted friend.

‍

And if you don't want to impose on their time, you can trust one of our concierges, who will be happy to welcome your guests, show them your apartment, and explain your house rules. The Welkeys team also offers to look after your keys at our Paris offices. Consider leaving a set of keys with us; you'll see, it can be very practical! Once your listing is online and you have your first bookings, you can put your mind at ease by trusting one of our Welkeys concierges!

‍

Our concierges handle all the logistics related to managing your short-term rental for you, including check-in, check-out, cleaning, and linen management. If, after reading and considering all our valuable advice, this still seems like a significant workload, don't worry—we are here to help! Take advantage of our turnkey offer, Welkeys Premium! Our short-term rental experts will take care of:

Creating your listing on the platform of your choice Bringing in a professional photographer Optimizing your short-term rental rates Coordinating your booking calendar with our concierges Communicating with your travelers Maintenance services related to short-term rentals