149. How to Manage Your Short-Term Rental Property During a Crisis of Resurrection
Contents
- 1. Keep Calm and Communicate Clearly
- 2. Follow Local Guidelines and Regulations
- 3. Sanitize and Maintain Your Property
- 4. Adapt Booking Policies and Payment Options
- 5. Offer Virtual Tours and Remote Check-Ins
- 6. Provide Flexible Cancellation Policies
- 7. Use Technology to Streamline Operations
- 8. Engage with Guests and Build Relationships
- 9. Stay Informed About the Latest Developments
- 10. Be Patient and Resilient
1. Keep Calm and Communicate Clearly
In a crisis, it’s easy to panic. But it’s important to stay calm and collected. This will help you make clear decisions and communicate effectively with your guests, staff, and other stakeholders. Be honest and transparent with your guests about the situation and take steps to reassure them that their health and safety are your top priority.
2. Follow Local Guidelines and Regulations
Make sure you’re following all local guidelines and regulations regarding short-term rentals during the crisis. This may include restrictions on occupancy, cleaning protocols, and check-in/check-out procedures.
3. Sanitize and Maintain Your Property
Increase the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing your property, especially common areas and high-touch surfaces. Use EPA-approved disinfectants and follow the recommended cleaning protocols.
4. Adapt Booking Policies and Payment Options
Consider adjusting your booking policies to make them more flexible during the crisis. This may include offering free cancellation or rescheduling options, or allowing guests to pay in installments.
5. Offer Virtual Tours and Remote Check-Ins
Offer virtual tours of your property to prospective guests. This will allow them to see the property without having to visit in person. You can also implement remote check-in and check-out procedures to minimize contact between guests and staff.
6. Provide Flexible Cancellation Policies
Understand that some guests may need to cancel their reservations due to the crisis. Be flexible and understanding, and offer full refunds or credits for future stays.
7. Use Technology to Streamline Operations
Use technology to streamline your operations and make it easier for guests to book and stay at your property. This may include using online booking platforms, keyless entry systems, and automated cleaning schedules.
8. Engage with Guests and Build Relationships
Make an effort to engage with your guests and build relationships with them. This will help you understand their needs and concerns, and it will also make them more likely to return to your property in the future.
9. Stay Informed About the Latest Developments
Stay informed about the latest developments related to the crisis. This includes monitoring news reports, following government guidelines, and checking industry blogs and forums.
10. Be Patient and Resilient
The crisis will eventually pass. In the meantime, be patient and resilient. Focus on providing your guests with a safe and enjoyable experience, and work towards building a strong foundation for your short-term rental business.
Conclusion:
The COVID-19 crisis has had a significant impact on the short-term rental industry. However, by following these tips, you can manage your property and weather the storm. By staying calm, following local guidelines, and taking steps to protect your guests and staff, you can ensure that your business survives and thrives in the years to come.
Call to Action:
If you’re a short-term rental property owner or manager, I encourage you to take action today. Implement these tips to protect your business and ensure that you’re prepared for whatever the future holds.