Guest Screening Tips for Short-Term Rental Hosts
As a short-term rental host, you want to make sure that you’re renting your property to responsible guests who will treat your home with respect. By following these guest screening tips, you can increase your chances of finding great tenants and avoid any potential problems.
1. Get a good sense of the person
The first step in screening guests is to get a good sense of who they are. This can be done by asking them questions about themselves, their reasons for traveling, and their expectations for their stay. You should also take the time to read through their reviews and social media profiles to get a better idea of their personality and lifestyle.
Here are some questions you can ask potential guests:
- What is your reason for traveling?
- How many people will be staying in your rental?
- How long will you be staying?
- What are your expectations for your stay?
- What is your budget?
It’s also important to pay attention to the tone of their responses. Do they seem friendly and respectful? Are they clear about their expectations? If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to ask them for more information.
2. Check their references
Once you’ve gotten a good sense of the person, it’s time to check their references. This is an important step to take, as it can help you identify any potential red flags.
When checking references, be sure to ask the following questions:
- How long did they rent from you?
- Did they pay their rent on time?
- Did they follow your house rules?
- Did they cause any damage to your property?
If you’re able to speak to previous landlords or roommates, this is even better. They can provide you with first-hand accounts of the person’s behavior and give you a better idea of whether or not they’re a good fit for your rental.
3. Run a background check
In addition to checking references, you should also run a background check on potential guests. This can help you identify any criminal history or other red flags that might make them a bad fit for your rental.
There are a number of different background check companies that you can use. Be sure to choose a company that is reputable and that provides accurate information.
When running a background check, be sure to check the following:
- Criminal history
- Employment history
- Credit history
A background check can be a valuable tool in helping you screen potential guests. It can help you identify any potential risks and make sure that you’re renting your property to responsible people.
4. Ask for a security deposit
One way to protect yourself from damages caused by guests is to ask for a security deposit. This is a sum of money that is held by the landlord in case of any damage to the property. If there is no damage, the security deposit is returned to the guest at the end of their stay.
The amount of the security deposit will vary depending on the property and the landlord’s preferences. However, it’s generally a good idea to ask for a security deposit that is equal to one month’s rent.
A security deposit can be a valuable tool in helping you protect your property from damages. It can also help you deter potential guests who are not serious about renting your property.
5. Set clear house rules
Once you’ve found a good tenant, it’s important to set clear house rules. This will help to ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings.
When setting house rules, be sure to include the following: