Airbnb Damage Policy & Property Security
How safe is Airbnb really? This question causes concern for both Airbnb hosts and guests. As a host, you’ll wonder, “how safe is it to allow strangers into my home?” And no matter how much we want to ignore it, there are real stories of how Airbnb guests and hosts have been scammed and stolen.
However, with that being said, the concern of safety should not discourage you as these incidents are rare, with many of our hosts never, ever experiencing any problems. We always put in extra measures with our properties to ensure our partnered co-hosts never have to worry.
Read on to see how we protect and secure your property, or use the button below to hear it from the experts themselves…
We Get To Know The Other Party Extremely Well
As experienced property managers and Airbnb hosts, we advise our clients against instant booking, especially for beginners. The instant booking option does not allow us to screen guests properly before accepting their booking requests.
Using the Request to Book option, we get enough information about our guests before their stay to help us make better decisions to protect your property. We’ll be able to see what other hosts say about these guests and how they’ve treated the previous properties they have stayed at.
Aside from reviews and profiles, we interact with your potential guests beforehand to screen them. The power behind this interaction allows us to build a personal connection, which is good for keeping your property safe and secure.
All Communications with Guests Handled Within The App
We know it’s tempting to avoid the commission Airbnb charges on each booking by contacting guests away from the platform. However, it doesn’t bode well for hosts to give in to such temptations in most cases.
With Airbnb’s secure online platform, we can ensure the safety of both parties. Using external arrangements, especially in terms of payments, outside of the secure system means the company assurance policy will no longer be valid. ➡️ Increase your income.
So, if valuables are stolen or damaged, you will not be compensated – and considering Airbnb’s small commission charge, this is a reasonable price for security.
Clearly Stated House Rules and Expectations
Another form of protection for our Airbnb hosts is where we set and outline clear rules and expectations that prospective guests will be obligated to follow. For example, certain rules prohibit guests from staying out late, inviting other guests, bringing pets or smoking inside.
We even go one step further to outline certain parts of the house that are off-limits or safety directives like how and when to use security systems, carbon monoxide detectors, smoke detectors, etc.
Guests must approve and agree to the terms laid out in the agreement before booking.
Security System Installation for Added Protection
One extra layer of protection is installing security systems like security cameras that can help ensure guests respect house rules. They also serve as evidence if a claim needs to be made.
However, in this area, we must be careful. Installing home security systems can cause legal problems for the host as it infringes on the privacy rights of your guests. Therefore, all security systems must adhere to Airbnb’s legal terms and conditions.
Security systems are never to be installed in the guest’s space, like bedrooms, bathrooms, living areas, etc. Instead, they will be installed in off-limit areas, where you can store your valuables outside the property.
Property Insurance
Property damage is certainly a risk hosts must be prepared for when renting their property to short-term guests. And whilst property damage is a risk, Airbnb’s Host Guarantee program is designed to protect owners from this.
The insurance programme offers hosts up to $1 million in compensation for property damage. However, there are certain areas where the compensation fee will not be applicable, for example, damage to rare artwork or theft of an item you cannot prove was there.
Read more: How we’re holding guests responsible for damage.
We’ve Got Great Instincts
One fundamental lesson we’ve learned in our experience as Airbnb hosts and entrepreneurs is that one’s instincts are nature’s way of giving essential signals. And whilst that might sound silly to some, it’s crucial to trust your intuition when dealing with guests.
Once we’ve dutifully carried out the above security measures and steps and still don’t feel comfortable with particular arrangements, it’s usually best to deny the request and fill the space with better-trusted guests.
Property Management Company Across The UK
Our services operate from London but cover the most frequently visited, popular tourist destinations across England, Scotland and Wales. Discover our property rental portfolio to see the types of properties we work with, from individual private homes and holiday properties to multi-unit/apartment blocks.
Toby France
Recommended Property Manager & Co-Founder
“I’ve worked with thousands of short-let properties and helped each, and every business determine their business goals and achieve them.”
Veronica Tribolati
Guest Manager
Being a natural extrovert and a go-getter, Veronica is a great communicator and is the face of HelloGuest.
UK Wide Coverage
We cover the whole of the UK!
Our service provides full UK coverage for short-term letting. Our Airbnb manager services extend to medium and long-term lettings to provide a full range of rental options to help homeowners and landlords maximise their earnings and minimise any problems. Visit this page.
We manage many rental properties in popular areas and tourist destinations. This includes accommodation in all the UK’s major cities and holiday destinations.
Contact us to find out more.
