According to Today's Homeowner, demand for vacation rentals in the U.S. will grow another 6.8% by 2025, which shows how the industry continues to flourish.
Vacation rentals can turn a profit, but there are nightmare situations where guests trash properties, costing owners a fortune to fix. If you don't currently have house rules or guidelines in place, you're putting your investment and annual at risk.
Luckily, we've got the answers you need. Here's how to set vacation rental rules and guidelines that guests will follow.
Benefits of House Rules
Before diving into the standard rules, it's important to know why vacation rental compliance is essential.
Aside from protecting your property, setting house rules sets clear expectations for your guests to prevent issues, such as noise complaints from neighbors. Guests will also understand what to expect from staying in your vacation rental. For instance, if your ideal guests are family, create rules to foster a safe, relaxing environment.
Popular House Rules
Laying down standard house rules will guarantee a vacation rental property's success as long as you cover every base.
Decide, for example, whether to accept families with kids or if it's an adult-only vacation rental as it determines your ideal demographic. You should also think about:
- Pets
- Allowing parties or events
- Smoking
- Quiet hours
- Check-in and check-out times
- Maximum number of guests allowed
One of the top property hosting tips is to ask for a damage deposit. The beauty of deposits is that they give investors peace of mind and give guests an incentive to treat your vacation property with respect.
Further, owners can customize rules when necessary. For instance, if you've recently given your backyard a makeover, create a new rule about guests enjoying the outdoor space responsibly to prevent issues.
How to Communicate Your House Rules
When setting vacation rental regulations, you must strike the balance of being authoritative yet friendly. Sure, you want guests to take the house rules seriously, but you also want them to feel comfortable staying there.
A pro vacation rental management tip is to include the house rules in your listing. That way, potential guests know what to expect before booking the property so there aren't any surprises.
You should also reiterate house rules by providing a welcome pack. In it, include a written letter to break the ice and show your appreciation. Welcome packs are useful because they give guests a physical reference during their stay.
Investors can re-emphasize rules with visual cues. For instance, place a sign with check-in and check-out times by the front door as a gentle reminder.
Set Out Your Vacation Rental Rules and Guidelines Today
Once you have set vacation rental rules and guidelines, guests are far less likely to damage your property and cause expensive repairs. The key is to inform guests in advance and provide an additional copy for reference.
At PMI Scenic City, we have years of experience managing vacation rentals in Chattanooga, TN, from handling bookings to maintenance requests. If you're interested in our services, drop us a line to chat with a representative.
