Set Up For Safety And Security
One key reason that makes Airbnb so successful are the strides the company takes to make it as safe and secure for its users. Technology has allowed people all over the world to connect, socialize, and help others just like themselves. Airbnb realizes in order to stay successful certain safety and security measures must be met. And as a host you need to create a listing that is set up for safety and security.
Create house rules and a house manual to give your guests expectations prior to their arrival. You need to make your guests feel safe and secure when they stay in your Airbnb. More and more people are choosing to stay in airbnb’s everyday. Yet, there are still a plethora of people who do not know what it is and have never done it. That unknown causes fear in people and it is your job as a Airbnb Host to calm those fears.
The house rules should be short and concise. Having a list of 15, 20, or more rules can turn away potential guests. I recommend having no more than 10 house rules. Depending on your listing you may only need a few rules. Guests must be aware of pertinent information.
Airbnb has five pre-selected rules that you can check Yes or No to as a host.
source: www.airbnb.com
You can also include additional rules that you see fit. Other rules that I include are No Unannounced Guests, Drink Responsibly, Keep Noise Level Under Control. This information will be provided on your listing page for viewers and guests must agree to them before requesting a reservation. Obviously, the more restrictions on the listing the less likely guests will choose to stay in your airbnb.
The house manual should be thorough and more specific than your house rules. Once someone successfully books your airbnb they will receive an Itinerary with all the details of the trip. Included is a house manual. This information is stored securely until you have a confirmed reservation. It is important to note because you will want to include very specific information about your airbnb in the house manual. Here you can include additional rules on parking, cleaning, interaction with neighbors, key delivery, details on checking in/out, etc. Treat the house manual as the official greeting to your new guest!
In addition to the house rules and house manual you should also provide some type of welcome packet for your guests upon arrival. Here you can be as detailed as you think necessary. Reassure your guests that your airbnb is safe and secure. Include information about the neighborhood and area too. As more and more guests stay in your airbnb you may start to notice that the same concerns or issues arise. Therefore, you should include answers to those concerns in the welcome packet. And in case of an emergency give clear instructions on what to do. Location of the fire extinguisher, proper escape routes, and emergency contact numbers should be included.
I created a binder to help my guests feel more acclimated to the space. The pertinent information included are reminders of the house rules, information on security, and amenities. Give a little background on yourself and how you became a host.
Let us take one step back and discuss what you need to do to make sure you are letting verified guests reserve your airbnb. Profile verification’s are extremely important. As a host, ensure your guests have completed their Airbnb verification’s before booking your space. If you are going to take advantage of letting guests “instantly book” your airbnb without you having to confirm the dates then select, “guests who meet Airbnb’s requirements” may instant book. I highly recommend adding instant book to your listing. It allows you to not have to be as hands on with reservation inquiries and bypasses the people who are not verified yet.
source: www.airbnb.com
Keeping yourself and your guests safe and secure is a must. However, physical safety is not a hosts only concern. Monetary safety and security are extremely important as well. Hosts should always communicate and handle payments with guests inside of Airbnb. Paying or communicating outside of Airbnb makes it harder for Airbnb to protect your information and puts you at greater risk of fraud and other security issues, such as phishing. Airbnb supports several payment methods. Choosing the right payout method is very important. I have used PayPal since I started and have never had any issues. It is extremely safe for myself and my guests. Choose what best fits your needs as a host.
source: www.airbnb.com
In addition to the safety and security features of your official Airbnb listing you should also include technology as a secondary feature. Here area a list of items you should consider.
I have used all these products and highly recommend them all. Look for a separate blog where I will give full details on my experience with the more expensive products.
Airbnb is a community of like-minded individuals from all over the world. Whether you are a host, guest, neighbor, or friend safety and security should be priority one. And if you set up your airbnb with these in mind then you will be much more successful than those that do not. Thanks for reading! Leave a comment below on how you have successfully set up your airbnb for safety and security!
Don’t just Host, Superhost! And Superhost like a Boss!
