Owning a vacation rental property can provide a lucrative income stream. But you don't just want anyone staying on your property.
That's why learning the best practices for screening guests for vacation rentals in Kissimmee is critical. Stay with us to discover the five best tips!
1. Check Guest Profiles
As a vacation host, one of your first actions should be to review guest profiles. On many rental platforms, you'll be able to find a profile with details that will help you get to know the guest. For instance, guests may need to list their current location, travel interests, and jobs.
A complete and professional profile is usually a good indicator of a responsible guest. Choosing the right guests can help you avoid difficult cleaning scenarios, property damage, and more. You may want to see what else you can find out about a guest through a search engine, too.
2. Decide on the Right Screening Questions
When it comes to vacation property management, the property itself is your most important asset. That's why it's important to be sure you're letting the right people stay there. Consequently, every potential vacation guest should have to answer a set of screening questions.
Ask about the guest's reason for staying in the Kissimmee area, as well as how many people will be in the group. Ask why your rental listing stood out. And verify that the guest understands the rules for the rental.
3. Look at Reviews
Yes, your guests will want to see positive reviews about you. But you should be checking potential guests' reviews, too. Most platforms for vacation rentals will offer both guests and hosts opportunities to review each other.
If you see negative reviews, it's worth following up on them with a potential guest. They may be able to provide more context. Or they may just give you a reason to look elsewhere for tenants!
4. Set Clear House Rules
Part of successful rental management is knowing what your expectations are for guests. Set a clear list of house rules. Post these rules in your online listing and add physical copies to the property.
Mention your expectations for dirty dishes and linens. Talk about quiet hours, alarms, and other potential disturbances. And perhaps most importantly, spell out the penalties for violating these rules.
5. Ask for a Deposit
Asking for a deposit requires guests to show some financial commitment. A deposit can be for half the total cost of the stay, for instance. Just be sure to communicate clearly the deadline to lock in the reservation.
Along the same lines, you can set a minimum stay requirement. This helps weed out guests who may only be looking to have one wild night in your rental. Instead, you'll get interest from guests who are less likely to back out.
Start Screening Guests for Vacation Rentals
Screening guests for vacation rentals ensures that you get responsible tenants. Ask for a deposit and ask prospective tenants questions. Be sure to check reviews and set rules, too.
PMI Trust can help you handle your vacation properties. Whether you need help with your short-term rental or accounting, we have you covered. Contact us today!
