Managing an Airbnb should be a safe, fun, and rewarding experience for hosts, where they can open up their property to guests from all over the world while earning a steady income. However, you as the host have a responsibility to maximize the security of your property. Implementing proactive, critical safety measures will help you minimize risks, protect your property, and create a more secure environment for guests. This in turn will foster trust and encourage positive reviews, which are vital for the long-term success of your Airbnb.
If you are wondering how you can improve your Airbnb’s safety, look no further. As the COO of DUSAW smart locks for Airbnbs and other commercial buildings, I have identified many often overlooked ways to significantly enhance an Airbnb property’s security. Following the below precautionary measures will give you peace of mind and help you create a safe and comfortable Airbnb
Regularly Inspect Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Household appliances like gas stoves, water heaters, and ovens can emit Carbon Monoxide (CO), a colorless and odorless gas that can pose serious health risks to your guests (including death). To protect your guests, install smoke detectors in every bedroom, hallway, and kitchen, as well as carbon monoxide detectors near any fuel-burning appliances. I also recommend investing in a combination smoke and CO detector, which will provide dual protection in one unit. It is vital to also regularly check that these detectors are functioning properly.
Keep a Well-Stocked First Aid Kit in Every Room
Guests at your property may accidentally cut themselves, suffer from illness, or burn their skin while cooking or handling hot hair tools. To ensure your guests’ safety, place a fully stocked first aid kit in a visible, accessible location in each room with instructions on how to use the supplies. This simple precaution can help your guests have prompt and effective first-aid treatment, which will help them feel safe and cared for during their stay.
Install Surveillance Cameras Outside Your Property
Place surveillance cameras in strategic locations outside of your property to monitor the exterior for safety reasons. However, do not place cameras inside to respect your guests’ privacy. Also, sometimes just knowing they are being watched and monitored can be a powerful deterrent for criminals. So prominently post signage that informs people of the security cameras’ presence. By balancing privacy with protection, you can keep your Airbnb secure without compromising the comfort and peace of mind of your guests.
Regularly Inspect Fire Extinguishers
Place fire extinguishers in visible locations in key areas of your Airbnb, such as in the kitchen where the risk of a fire is higher. In the guest welcome information, note the exact locations of each fire extinguisher and how to properly use them. Also regularly check to make sure that the fire extinguishers are not expired and will work properly. If a fire broke out, the last thing you would want is to discover that your fire extinguishers are expired and won’t function!
Provide Clear Emergency Exits
Establish a comprehensive emergency exit plan for your property and ensure this plan is easily accessible to all guests. A well-prepared and clearly documented emergency exit plan will be life-saving in the event of a fire or other hazardous situation. Ensure that all exits are well-marked and unobstructed to allow for a swift evacuation. Your emergency exit plan should also include at least two escape routes from every room so guests have multiple options for an efficient evacuation. Being proactive about safety will prevent panic and help your guests respond quickly in the event of an emergency.
Provide Clear Instructions for Appliances
Even if your property’s oven, outdoor grill, and other appliances seem easy to use, leave clear instructions on how to use all of them. What may feel simple to you could be unfamiliar to your guests. Minimize safety risks by offering safety guidelines for kitchen appliances, heaters, air conditioners, etc. By providing these instructions, you can make sure your guests use all of your appliances correctly, which reduces the likelihood of accidents, fires, and other safety hazards.
Regularly Check Electrical Wiring
Ensure that all electrical wiring and outlets are up to code and functioning, especially in older homes. Damaged or corroded electrical wiring can cause fire hazards, damage appliances, increase the risk of electrocution, and create power outages. So schedule regular electrical wiring inspections by licensed electricians to assess the condition of all the cords, outlets, and wiring in your property. Replace any damaged power plugs, cords, or switches immediately to prevent shock hazards and watch out for any overloaded outlets. Also, keep your electrical cords tidy and secure to prevent damage.
Install Proper Lighting
Proper lighting will not only enhance the overall visibility in and around your property, but also it will reduce the risk of break-ins and accidents. So keep the exterior and interior of your house well-lit, especially around the front door and other entry points, stairs and walkways. It would be wise to also install motion-sensor lights around entry points and pathways to increase visibility, prevent falls and other accidents, and deter intruders.
Install Smart Locks
Is your Airbnb business still using traditional old-school key locks? Physical keys can be easily lost or stolen and are vulnerable to duplication, which can give criminals easy access to your property. And replacing one of these keys means changing the entire lock, which is expensive and time-consuming. So it would be wise to upgrade to a keyless smart lock that uses a pin code or temporary access code. Many models feature encryption, two-factor authentication, and automatic locking, which makes it harder for potential criminals to access your property.
Even better, as the host you will be able to monitor and control access to your property remotely. You can lock or unlock the door from wherever you are, which is especially helpful if your guest needs assistance or if there is an emergency. Installing keyless smart locks can make your home more safe, convenient, and user-friendly for short-lets.
Limit Guest Capacity
It is paramount to set a maximum occupancy limit based on the size of your property and available safety resources like fire exits and emergency supplies. Before you confirm each booking, verify the number of guests to ensure compliance with your occupancy guidelines. By enforcing your guest capacity limit, you will avoid overcrowding, which in turn will reduce wear and tear on your property, create a more enjoyable experience for everyone, and ensure the safety and satisfaction of your guests.
Make Sure Windows and Doors Lock Securely
Ensure that all windows and doors are equipped with secure locks to prevent unauthorized access to your property. Regularly check that all locks function properly, as even the slightest issue can compromise the safety of your guests and property. In the welcome information for guests, provide clear and detailed instructions on how to operate each lock so that guests understand how to use them safely and effectively. This will help guests feel confident in securing the Airbnb and staying safe during their stay.
Provide Safety Contact Information
Guests from all over the world may not know where the nearest hospital is or how to contact the local police department in case of an emergency. In the welcome information for guests, provide local emergency contact numbers and the locations of the nearest hospital, fire department, police department, and health clinics. Including this life-saving information will help your guests feel more safe and secure in knowing they can easily contact emergency personnel if needed.
Use Non-Slip Rugs and Mats
Slippery floors in the bathroom and kitchen can cause your guests to fall and injure themselves. Be proactive in preventing slips and falls by placing non-slip rugs and mats in bathrooms and kitchens, where spills and water accumulation frequently occur. Also install non-slip treads on stair steps to provide better traction and help reduce the risk of slips and falls. These simple-yet-effective preventative measures will protect your guests.
Secure Pool and Hot Tub Areas
Make sure your pool or hot tub is protected by a fence that locks when not in use to prevent unauthorized access. Consider adding an alarm system that can warn guests and you if someone enters the pool or hot tub area unexpectedly. Do not allow guests to add chemicals to the hot tub, because improper use can lead to safety hazards. For greater protection, display clear safety guidelines and instructions for proper use near the pool or hot tub area.
Childproof Your Airbnb
Safety is a top priority for families traveling with young children. To ensure the safety of little ones in your Airbnb, implement effective childproofing measures. Provide outlet covers, corner guards, and cabinet locks to protect kids from potential hazards. Also secure dressers, bookshelves, and other heavy furniture to walls to prevent tip-overs. These precautions will minimize risks and create a safer environment for kids staying at your property.
Inspect Your Stairs to Make Sure They’re Safe
Ensuring your property’s stair safety is crucial for preventing trips, slips, and falls that can injure your guests. Securely attach handrails on both sides of a staircase for extra support, which is especially helpful for guests that have mobility issues. Also inspect each staircase to make sure there aren’t any uneven stairs, cracks, or damage that can cause tripping hazards. Make sure all stairs are well lit and keep stairs free of rugs and other clutter that can obstruct movement.
Set Safety Protocols for Guests
Explicitly communicate your property’s safety protocols and house rules to guests. Ensure your guests understand the importance of always locking doors and windows when leaving the Airbnb. Also remind them to not leave valuables and belongings in common areas. Instruct them to be mindful of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity immediately. Also give your guests a way to easily contact you in case of fire, medical emergency, or other safety concerns.
Final Thoughts
Guest safety should always be a top priority for any Airbnb host. The above preventative measures will help you enhance your property’s safety and create a secure, comfortable, and welcoming environment for your guests. Prioritizing safety will also build trust, encourage positive reviews, and help foster repeat bookings, thus maximizing the long-term success of your Airbnb business.